1. Functions theory
© EIT, Author Gay Robertson, 2017

2. What is a function?
Functions are predefined calculation tasks or abbreviated formulae

3. An example …
Autosum
An EXPRESSION is the entire equation eg =SUM(A7:A15)
An ARGUMENT is the part of the function that is in brackets (the range) eg (A7:A15)
A FUNCTION is the ‘word’ after the equal (=) sign eg SUM

4. Excel will …
SUM (or add up) the cells starting at A7 and ending at A15
The same as adding A7 + A8 + A9 + A10 + A11 + A12 + A13 + A14 + A15
Autosum appears on the Home Tab
Click on the down arrow for other common functions

5. Insert a Function … You can use the Insert function Wizard
You can use to search for a function

6. Functions Library Click on the Formula tab
Click on a library to see what is available

7. If function …
A function which returns a particular value if the logical test you specify is true, and returns another value if the logical test you specify is false.
IF function is a Logical Function
Explanation of function
IF the value in G7 is more than 30 THEN IF TRUE High Cost will be showing in the answer cell ELSE IF FALSE If it is NOT more than 30 then Low Cost will appear

8. This is what you would see …
Formula bar
Whole function is the EXPRESSION
(G7>30) is the ARGUMENT
IF is the FUNCTION

9. Let’s hope that helped! But, if it didn’t make much sense – I can go through this again!

10. Why would I use a function?
In business, your workbooks will be generally a lot more complex and a lot larger than the little exercises you are working with

11. Why else?
If you have a worksheet that contains lots of calculations and requires you to produce complex information then look for a function to help you
There are so many to choose from
Choose one and read the explanation