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The module in Excel can be easily calculated using the built-in tools. The procedure is not complicated, so it does not take much time, and you can perform it using the ABS function. Some alternative methods are also allowed, which will be discussed below.
Principle of finding with the ABS function
The module is an absolute value. That is, if you need to find it from the number -46, then the answer will be – 46 without a minus sign. But to find the value of more complex expressions, which is problematic to calculate quickly in the mind, you can use the function ABS. It is worth noting that this tool works in all versions of Microsoft Office. Consider the principle of its operation on the example of the program of 2016 release. The syntax notation for this program is: =АBS (number). But knowing this abbreviation is not enough, the main thing is to correctly apply it in practice.
- Open the Microsoft Excel program, on an empty sheet in one of the cells, write the number from which you want to find the module. Let’s say it’s -12.
- Now substitute the formula in the same cell, and enter the declared number in brackets. See how it should look in the screenshot.
- After you have written the necessary notation, press the “Enter” button on the keyboard. As a result, the negative value of the number will change to positive.
Pay attention! In order for the calculation of the function to be correct, it is necessary to use strictly Latin letters when entering. Otherwise, the system will generate an error.
If you plan to find the value of the module in a separate cell in relation to the one where a negative number is set, then in the formula, instead of the number itself, you will need to write the address of the required window.
Another method that can be used to calculate the module is suitable for those users who are not ready to memorize a lot of numbers and formulas, but rely only on the algorithms of the Microsoft Excel e-book. Let’s consider it in more detail:
- Open the program and click on the cell in which you want to display the result of the calculations. Then in this place we make a right-click and call the context menu. In it, select “Insert function”. If there is no such designation, then go to the “Formulas” tab and right in the upper left corner we find the tool we need.
- The “Insert function” window opens in front of us, here in the drop-down list select “Mathematical” and find “ABS”. At the end, click on the “OK” button.
- The following window appears, which is called “Function Arguments”. Here we need to write in the “Number” field the value that needs to be used to find the module. We have this number with a minus (-16). Click the “OK” button.
Advice! You don’t have to click the OK button, as the result of the value is immediately visible in the dialog box. When closing the “Function Arguments”, we can notice that the number we have chosen has turned from negative to positive. Accordingly, we can assume that the method of finding the mathematical module is correct.
How to find modulus for multiple numbers at the same time
Suppose you have a table with negative numeric values. To find their module, you need to do the following.
- Having a well-formed table, in the cell in which you need to find the module, click with the mouse, then move to the line to write the formulas.
- We write an equal sign before a negative number and set the ABS function, as was done in the example above. We can prescribe manually so that it is clearly clear what is meant. As a result, press the “Enter” button to get the value.
- We see that the number has changed its sign, respectively, the function was applied correctly. Now, in order to find the modulus for the remaining digits, we need to take the border of the cell and drag it across the entire range that contains numerical values in order to use the autofill marker.
Pay attention! Most users prescribe a formula for finding the module with these signs I-16I, and also write them in brackets. Instead of a correct result, in this case only errors will appear, since the Microsoft Excel program system, regardless of the version of the document, does not understand this syntax.
Locating a module using the “Root” function
The Root function in Excel is also ideal for finding the modulus of a number. Since the concept of calculating the arithmetic root is used in the office program, it is suitable only for even powers. Accordingly, odd numbers will not be found.
In other words, if we find the root of a number previously squared, we can find an even absolute value, this will be the value of the module.
Alternate Finding with Sign Function
This method is considered to be the simplest, since it does not require in-depth knowledge of the program interface. When calculating the modulus, all you need to do is multiply a negative number by -1 and a positive number by 1. As a result, we will get the absolute value of the original value.
To summarize
In fact, finding the modulus of one number on your own is faster and easier. But when using extensive tables and operating with a large amount of data, Microsoft Excel will be indispensable. Please note that in different versions of the program there may be differences in steps when executing algorithms for finding values.