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In this lesson, we will introduce the concept Complex formula in Excel, and also analyze the procedure for performing actions when solving such formulas. The information provided is basic and is intended primarily for novice users of Microsoft Excel.
A simple formula is a mathematical expression with one operator, such as 7 + 9. A complex formula contains more than one operator, for example, 5 + 2 * 8. If a formula contains multiple mathematical operators, Excel follows the order in which it performs the calculation. When using Excel to calculate complex formulas, you need to know the order in which to perform the steps.
Workflow in Excel formulas
Excel performs actions based on the following order:
- Expressions enclosed in parentheses.
- Exponentiation (for example, 3^2).
- Multiplication and division, whichever comes first.
- Addition and subtraction, which comes first.
An example of solving a complex formula
As an example, let’s try to calculate the value of the formula shown in the following figure. At first glance, this expression looks rather complicated, but we can use the order of operations in stages to find the correct answer.
Operations enclosed in parentheses
First of all, we’ll start by doing the action in the parentheses. In this case, we need to calculate: 6-3 3 =.
Exponentiation
You can see that the complex formula looks a bit simpler now. Next, we will check for the presence of powers in our expression. Yes, she meets once: 2 ^ 2 = 4.
Division
Next, we will perform all the multiplication and division operations, in order from left to right. Since division occurs before multiplication, the division is performed first: 3 / 4 = 0,75.
Multiplication
Now we will perform the rest of the multiplication operation: 0,75 * 4 = 3.
Addition
Next, we will perform all the addition and subtraction operations, in order from left to right. Since addition occurs before subtraction, the addition is performed first: 10 + = 3 13.
Subtraction
In conclusion, the last step remains – subtraction: 13-1 12 =.
As a result, we got the answer: 12.
You will get exactly the same result if you enter this formula in Excel.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated in this!