Mathematical Operators in Expressions
Operators are symbols that perform arithmetical tasks or comparisons, or refer to ranges of columns, rows, or cells. You use operators in formulas that perform calculations on data rows or columns.
The following table explains the types of operators available in standard formulas:
Table 49. Operators
Type | Operator | Description | Example |
|---|
Arithmetical | + | Adds | The following row formula adds the values in rows 4 and 5: [4] + [5]. A space is needed after + . Incorrect: 5+4 Correct: 5+ 4 Correct: 5+ -4
|
Arithmetical | - | Subtracts | The following row formula subtracts 3 from the values in row 4: [4]- 3. A space is needed after - . Incorrect: 5-4 Correct: 5 - 4 Correct: 5 - -4
|
Arithmetical | * | Multiplies | The following row formula multiplies the absolute values in row 4 by 150: Abs([4])* 150 |
Arithmetical | / | Divides | The following row formula divides the values in row 4 by the values in row 5: [4] / [5] |
Arithmetical | % | Percentage | The following row formula adds the values in row 4 and multiplies it by .10: row[4].Sum*10% |
Arithmetical | ^ | Exponential | The following row formula returns the sixth exponent of row 4:[4]^6 |
Arithmetical | Decimal | Decimal number | The following row formula multiplies the values in row 4 by 5.67: [4] * 5.67 |
Reference | [] | Specifies a row, column, or cell in a grid. Use numbers for rows and letters for columns. | The following row formula adds the values in rows 4 and 12: Sum ([4],[12]) |
Unary minus | - | Changes the sign of a value | The following column expression divides the values in column 4 by 12 and changes the sign of the result: -([4] / 12) |
Tip: | Use the Eval function to perform arithmetic operations as part of a function parameter. For more information on the mathematical function Eval, see Eval. |
Natural precedence determines the order the system follows for carrying out operations in an expression with multiple operators. For more information, see Natural Precedence.