Functions are built-in specialized algorithms

use the formula example for function demonstrations too

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Formulas vs. Functions

  • 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

  1. the = sign which tells Excel that a formula or function follows
  2. the function name such as SUM for addition or AVERAGE for determining the average of a series of numbers
  3. 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

  1. in the formula bar
  2. directly into the cell
  3. use the name box
  4. OR use the Function Wizard to help you create the desired results
[MSExcel 2007 displaying a power function]

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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 and D3 and D5

if a range of cells, use a colon

  • = SUM(F2 :F4,F7 :F17)
  • 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.

[MSExcel 2007 find function dialog box]

Common Functions include:

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