Functions are built-in specialized algorithms
Functions are built-in specialized algorithms. They can apply to an individual cell or to a range of cells, on the same spreadsheet, or on another worksheet in the same workbook, or on another worksheet in another workbook.
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
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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 range of cells, use a colon: = SUM(F2 :F4,F7 :F17) means add F2 through F4 and F7 through F17 together
- if individual cells, use commas: = SUM(D2 ,D3 ,D5) means add D2 , D3 , and D5
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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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