If I use a calculator to multiply $2,136,974 x 1.1201 x 0.9440, I get an
answer of $2,259,582 (This should be the correct answer -- the last two
numbers in the formula are supposed to be loads and decrements to the
original number)

If I multiply these same numbers in Excel using the same order and a formula
of E10*E17*E18, I get an answer of $23,386

If I multiply these same numbers in Excel using the same order and a formula
of E10*1+E17*1+E18, I get an answer of $2,136,976

What am I doing wrong in setting up the Excel formula? I'm using Excel 2003
Professional, but I don't think that makes any difference.