More Baby Steps and Working Smart in MS Excel

3rd Baby Step

Now that you've entered your first formula from my last post. You can now create different equations using the function toolbar. The key to entering any formula is the = sign. For example you want to add two cells together, say cell A1 and A2 have two numbers in them. On cell A3 type the formula =A1+A2 and then hit enter. You can put these formulas anywhere on the spreadsheet, except on either A1 or A2. Think of them as directions for excel to follow. Other mathematical operators are as follows:

• Addition - +
• Subtraction - -
• Multiplication - *
• Division - \ 

You can also perform multiple operations by enclosing the formulas in ( ). For example you wanted to find out  the difference of the totals of cells A1 and A2 with the totals of B1 and B2. Your formula will be as follows:

=(A1+A2)-(B1+B2)

You can try multiple formulas in one cell. But that can take you forever. Here's my WORKING SMART tip;

Try combining the =SUM( ) function plus the mathematical equations and see if you get the same results.

Remember the 7 Principles? Now is the time to practice it.

See you in the next post.