Variables, formulae, functions and rules

Variable: holds value which can change.
1. You can name variables such as 'VAT'
  1. It is clear to see what it is doing.
  2. A range of cells can also be given a single variable name.
Pros and cons of using named variables
1. Pros
  1. Makes formulas easier to understand
  2. A named variable can also reference a cell in another worksheet without the formula looking any different
  3. Simple to move a variable to another location without any formulas being changed
2. Cons
  1. Can be confusing if you use the same name in different worksheets
  2. Pick sensible names - some may be unhelpful
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.
Formulae: performs calculations using numbers, addresses of cells and mathematical operators.
1. Formulas contains functions.
2. Careful of mistakes i.e. using a named cell that no longer exists or deleting cells that are being used.
Functions: Standard routine used to perform common tasks.It represents a complex formula that uses reserved words such as VLOOKUP and IF.
1. Performs a specific set of operations on its input values to produce a single output value.
Differences between formulae and functions
1. Formula
  1. Typed directly into the formula bar
    1. Simple calculations
  2. Unable to nest a formula
  3. Do not have built-in wizards
2. Functions
  1. Built into the software, special type of formula
  2. Can nest functions
  3. Simplify complicated maths
  4. Built-in wizard e.g. VLOOKUP

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Variables, formulae, functions and rules

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	Created by charcrawford over 10 years ago