1. Lesson 4: Introduction to Functions
Unit 2: Basic Formulas and Functions
Lesson 4: Introduction to Functions

2. Lesson 4: Introduction to Functions
Objectives:
Define function
Know the parts of a function
Describe common functions
Enter functions in a spreadsheet

3. What is a Function?
A function is a predefined formula. It allows you to quickly enter a formula.
Functions perform a calculation based on values, such as numbers and cell references, that are entered in the function.

4. The equal sign tells the spreadsheet a calculation is to be performed.
Function Structure =
Functions must start with an equal sign in the first character of the cell.
The equal sign tells the spreadsheet a calculation is to be performed.

5. = SUM Function Structure
The function name indicates the operation to be performed, such as a sum.

6. = SUM (D1:D4) Function Structure
Arguments are the information you want to use in the function’s calculation.
Can refer to both individual cells and cell ranges.
Can include one argument or multiple arguments.

7. Common Functions: SUM
The SUM function adds all the values in a range of cells.
(Blank cells or cells with text are ignored.)

8. Common Functions: AVERAGE
The AVERAGE function calculates the average in a range of cells by summing the cells and dividing by the number of cells used to find the sum.

9. Common Functions: COUNT
The COUNT function counts the cells with numerical values in the range of cells.

10. Common Functions: MAX
The MAX function finds the largest value included in a range of cells.

11. Common Functions: MIN
The MIN function finds the smallest value included in a range of cells.

12. Summary
In this lesson, you learned about functions, their structure and how to enter functions in a spreadsheet.