Lesson 3: Complex Formulas Unit 2: Basic Formulas and Functions Lesson 3: Complex Formulas
Lesson 3: Complex Formulas Objectives: Compare simple and complex formulas Understand the order of operations Enter complex formulas (multiple operators)
Simple and Complex Formulas A simple formula only contains one type of operator. This formula only contains addition. A complex formula contains more than one type of operator. This formula contains both addition and multiplication.
Order of Operations Order of Operations: Parentheses Exponents The order of operations determines which parts of a complex formulas to calculate first. Order of Operations: Parentheses Exponents Multiplication & Division, working from left to right Addition & Subtraction working from left to right Spreadsheets, use a set of rules called the order of operations to calculate the answer to complex formulas.
Formula with Parenthesis Order of Operations: Parentheses Exponents Multiplication & Division, working from left to right Addition & Subtraction working from left to right
Formula with an Exponent Order of Operations: Parentheses Exponents Multiplication & Division, working from left to right Addition & Subtraction working from left to right
Formula with Multiplication and Division Order of Operations: Parentheses Exponents Multiplication & Division, working from left to right Addition & Subtraction working from left to right
Formula with Multiplication and Division Order of Operations: Parentheses Exponents Multiplication & Division, working from left to right Addition & Subtraction working from left to right Notice, how the value of the formulas is very different depending on the order of operations.
Forcing an Order of Operations Parentheses Exponents Multiplication & Division, working from left to right Addition & Subtraction working from left to right Notice how the parentheses change the results. Use parentheses when you need to force a certain order of operations. You can also use them when you what to see the order of operations more easily.
Summary In this lesson, you learned about simple and complex formulas, the order of operations and how to enter complex formulas in a spreadsheet.