Chapter 2 Basic Functions and Cell Addressing-1

Function

A predefined formula that performs specific calculations in Excel.

Arguments

Inputs supplied to a function that determine how it operates.

SUM function

Adds a list of values and returns the total; syntax: =SUM(number1, [number2]…).

AVERAGE function

Calculates the average value of a list of numbers; syntax: =AVERAGE(number1, [number2]...).

COUNT function

Determines the number of numeric values in a specified range; syntax: =COUNT(number1, [number2]...).

MIN function

Returns the minimum value from a list of numbers; syntax: =MIN(number1, [number2]...).

MAX function

Returns the maximum value from a list of numbers; syntax: =MAX(number1, [number2]...).

COUNTA function

Determines the number of non-empty cells in a given range; syntax: =COUNTA(value1, [value2]...).

Syntax of a function

Consists of a function name followed by parentheses enclosing the arguments.

Relative cell referencing

Cell references that change when the formula is copied to another location.

Absolute cell referencing

Cell references that remain constant, regardless of where the formula is copied; indicated with $ signs.

Mixed cell referencing

A type of referencing in which part of the reference is absolute and part is relative.

ROUND function

Rounds a number to a specified number of digits; syntax: =ROUND(number,num_digits).

Error messages in Excel

Notifications that indicate issues within formulas, e.g., #DIV/0! or #REF!.

Named range

A named set of cells or values that can be referred to in formulas for clarity and ease.

Fill Handle

A tool that allows users to copy a formula to adjacent cells by dragging from the corner of a selected cell.