I took me sometime, but after a little practice, I'm pretty sure I
understand. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!

The first formula {=SUM(IF(A5:I5)=B5:B10,1,0))} does in fact compare each
cell in the first array to each cell in the second array and when they are
equal adds 1 to the answer or (9*6) =54. The textbook says there is
something wrong with that formula. But, it seems to me it does what its
supposed to do.

Im sure your analysis is beyond the scope of my course. I had no
experience with the TRANSPOSE function so I learned something new - THANKS.

I learned that the second formula {SUM(IF(TRANSPOSE(A5:I5)=B5:B13,1,0))} in
effect puts the arrays in same plane. If the arrays are in the same plane,
e.g., {SUM(IF( (A5:A13)=B5:B13,1,0))} the formula compares corresponding
elements and the Result= 9 (the arrays have to be the same size)

If the arrays are in different planes it compares each element in the first
array to each element in the second array (the arrays dont have to be the
same size).

THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE!!!



"Bob Phillips" wrote:

Agreed, if you compare each element of a 6 element array by each element of
a 9 element array, you get 54 if they all are equal. But I would have
thought that it is trying to compare each element of an array against it's
corresponding element in another array. For this, the arrays need to be the
same size. And then they should be in the same plane to be compared, one is
currently a row, one is a column, so you should transpose the row elements.

This then becomes

=SUM(IF(TRANSPOSE(A5:I5)=B5:B13,1,0))

which will give 9 with your data.

--

HTH

RP
(remove nothere from the email address if mailing direct)


"Matthew S" wrote in message
...
I'm working through an Excel text book (Benchmark Series). There is a
question (Concept Checks- Chapter E3 #16) that asks, "What is wrong with
the
following array formula:"

{=SUM(IF(A5:I5=B5:B10,1,0))}

I set all the cells to a value of 5 and the formula returns a 54, which I
think is correct. Does anyone see anything wrong with the formula?