MS Excel: Simple MS Excel: Simple FormulasFormulas

Formula – an instruction Excel uses to Formula – an instruction Excel uses to calculate a numbercalculate a number

Mathematical operators:Mathematical operators:+ + plus plus- - minus minus* * multiply multiply/ / division division^ ^ exponent exponent

To create a formula:To create a formula:

Click in a cell Click in a cell Begin with the “=“ signBegin with the “=“ sign Reference the cells that you want to Reference the cells that you want to

computecompute Ex: Ex:

– =A5+A8=A5+A8– =C9-C7=C9-C7

10 + 6 / 210 + 6 / 2

Solve this equation:Solve this equation:

10 + 6 / 210 + 6 / 2

What is the answer?What is the answer?

13 OR 8 ?? 13 OR 8 ??

Which part of the equation to you solve first?Which part of the equation to you solve first?

You must use the:You must use the:

Order of Operations – the method Order of Operations – the method Excel uses for solving equations.Excel uses for solving equations.

Correct Answer: 10 + 6 / 2Correct Answer: 10 + 6 / 2 10 + 3 10 + 3 (Do division (Do division

first)first)

Answer: 13Answer: 13

The order of mathematical operators:The order of mathematical operators:

1. Parenthesis ( )1. Parenthesis ( ) 2. Exponents ^2. Exponents ^ 3. Multiplication *3. Multiplication * 4. Division /4. Division / 5. Addition +5. Addition + 6. Subtraction -6. Subtraction -

Remember “P E M D A S”Remember “P E M D A S”

Ex: (7 + 5)/ 2 + 1Ex: (7 + 5)/ 2 + 1

(12)/2 + 1(12)/2 + 1

12/2 + 112/2 + 1

6 + 16 + 1

7 7