Mathematical Operators in MS Works Spreadsheets
Creating formulas in a MS Works Spreadsheets is not difficult. Just combine the cell references of your data with the correct mathematical operator.
The mathematical operators used in MS Works spreadsheets formulas are similar to the ones used in math class.
- Subtraction - minus sign ( - )
- Addition - plus sign ( + )
- Division - forward slash ( / )
- Multiplication - asterisk (* )
- Exponentiation - caret (^ )
Order of Operations
If more than one operator is used in a formula, there is a specific order that MS Works will follow to perform these mathematical operations. This order of operations can be changed by adding brackets to the equation. An easy way to remember the order of operations is to use the acronym:
BEDMAS
The Order of Operations is:
- Brackets
Exponents
Division
Multiplication
Addition
Subtraction
The Order of Operations Explained
- Any operation(s) contained in brackets will be carried out first
- Exponents are carried out second.
- MS Works considers division or multiplication operations to be of equal importance, and carries out these operations in the order they occur left to right in the equation.
- MS Works also considers addition and subtraction to be of equal importance. Which ever one appears first in an equation, either addition or subtraction, is the operation carried out first.
