Functions are built-in specialized algorithms
use the formula example for function demonstrations too
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Formulas vs. Functions
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A formula starts with =,
and followed by cell addresses and mathematical operators
- = D4+D5+D6+D7 means add together the contents of cells D4 through D7
-
A function is a predefined formula
that performs a mathematical operation on a group of cells
-
=SUM(D4:D7)
means add together
the contents of cells D4 through D7 (i.e., D4, D5, D6, D7)
Functions have three parts
-
the = sign which tells Excel
that a formula or function follows
-
the function name
such as SUM for addition or
AVERAGE for determining the average of a series of numbers
-
the argument
on which the particular function operates
must be enclosed by parentheses, and it contains the cell references so that the function knows
which cells to calculate
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options for entering formulas into the spreadsheet
- in the formula bar
- directly into the cell
- use the name box
- OR use the Function Wizard to help you create the desired results
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Examples of functions
- = SUM(D4,I48,V65)
- = AVERAGE(D1:D18)
Functions can perform mathematical operations on a group of cells
=SUM(D4:D7)
means add together the contents of cells D4 through D7
(i.e., D4, D5, D6, D7)
For argument of function:
if individual cells, use commas
-
= SUM(D2 ,D3 ,D5)
-
means add D2 ,D3, and D5
if a range of cells, use a colon
-
= SUM(F2 :F4,F7 :F17)
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means add F2 through F4 and F7 through F17 together
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Tools to help decide on the function to use
Insert Function or fx function wizard or hit = and then the function draw down box.
The Function dialog box has Function Category &
Function Name plus a short explanation of what the function does.
Common Functions include:
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