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3.9.1 Mathematical Operators used in Formulas and their Order of Evaluation
An operator is a symbol that performs certain mathematical or logical operations. In a cell, the calculation takes place
in the order of precedence of operators (in a similar way to BODMAS in mathematics).
The table given below shows the operators, their meanings, and their order of execution. When two operators share
the same ranking or precedence, the calculation is done in the order from left to right.
Operator Description
: Reference operator (as in A2:A20)
- Negation operator
*,/ Multiplication, Division
& Text Concatenation
, ; Argument Separators
^ Exponent
+,- Addition, Subtraction
>,<,>=,<=,<> Comparison operators
Order of Evaluation
If multiple operators occur in a formula, then the calculation is performed in the following order of precedence:
Ð ÐOperations enclosed in parentheses.
Ð ÐExponentiation.
Ð ÐMultiplication and Division. (If both multiplication and division occur in a formula, then the calculation is performed
from left to right.)
Ð ÐAddition and Subtraction. (If both addition and subtraction occur in a formula, then the calculation is performed
from left to right.)
For example, consider the following formula:
=4000+6000*90
In the above formula, multiplication will be performed first, followed by addition. If you want to perform addition first,
then you have to enclose the addition operation in parentheses as shown below:
= (4000+6000)*90
Error Results
Sometimes, when we use the wrong type of data, operand, or operator in a formula, an error message is displayed.
The list of errors that commonly occur in ‘Calc’ is given below:
Errors Reasons
#### Occurs when the cell contains a number, date, or time that is wider than the Cell width
or when the cell contains a date and/or time formula that produces a negative result.
#VALUE Occurs when the wrong type of argument or operand is used.
#NAME Occurs when ‘Calc’ does not recognise text in a formula.
#NUM Occurs when there is a problem with a number in a formula or function.
#REF Occurs when a cell reference is not valid.
#DIV/O! Occurs when a formula is divided by zero.
ICT Skills-IV 83

