Variables, formulae, functions and rules

Variables, formulae, functions and rules

1. Variable: holds value which can change.

   • You can name variables such as 'VAT'
     • It is clear to see what it is doing.
     • A range of cells can also be given a single variable name.

2. Pros and cons of using named variables

   • Pros
     • Makes formulas easier to understand
     • A named variable can also reference a cell in another worksheet without the formula looking any different
     • Simple to move a variable to another location without any formulas being changed
   • Cons
     • Can be confusing if you use the same name in different worksheets
     • Pick sensible names - some may be unhelpful

3. Rules: a set of procedures that must be followed in order to get the right answer. Can also be a sequence of events required for the calculation to work.

4. Formulae: performs calculations using numbers, addresses of cells and mathematical operators.

   • Formulas contains functions.
   • Careful of mistakes i.e. using a named cell that no longer exists or deleting cells that are being used.

5. Functions: Standard routine used to perform common tasks.It represents a complex formula that uses reserved words such as VLOOKUP and IF.

   • Performs a specific set of operations on its input values to produce a single output value.

6. Differences between formulae and functions

   • Formula
     • Typed directly into the formula bar
       • Simple calculations
     • Unable to nest a formula
     • Do not have built-in wizards
   • Functions
     • Built into the software, special type of formula
     • Can nest functions
     • Simplify complicated maths
     • Built-in wizard e.g. VLOOKUP

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