Explanation

Formula Syntax means the correct structure used to write a formula.

The Formula Bar is used to enter, view, and edit the contents of a cell.

Basic Formula Structure

=Value1 Operator Value2

Example:

=A2+B2

Function Structure

Functions will be covered in detail in later Topics, but students should understand the basic structure:

=FUNCTION(argument1, argument2)

Example:

=SUM(B2:B10)

Formula Bar

When you select a cell containing:

=B2*C2

the formula appears in the Formula Bar.

You can edit it directly from there.

Important Formula Rules

  1. Start with =.
  2. Use valid cell references.
  3. Use correct operators.
  4. Use parentheses where required.
  5. Text values in formulas normally require quotation marks.

Example

=IF(B2>=40,”Pass”,”Fail”)

Here:

  • IF = function
  • B2>=40 = condition
  • “Pass” = result if TRUE
  • “Fail” = result if FALSE

Practice

Enter the following formulas using the Formula Bar:

=A1+B1

=A1*B1

=(A1+B1)*C1

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