Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Does a bracketed calculation always get performed first?
Cell formula
=b2/(c4+c5) I know that in this case, c4+c5 will get performed first because it is in brackets. Now, here is my question. =ROUNDUP((D6/D7),0) In this formula, do the brackets around the division cause the division to be performed first even though they are within the roundup brackets? Or would it do the division first anyway, without the brackets? I am thinking that the default procedure would do the division first without the brackets. But, by adding the brackets, I give the computer definite instructions which eliminates a possible problem. (I hope this is so.) Do you agree with my thinking? Ed |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Excel has to resolve the D6/D7 portion BEFORE it can do the ROUNDUP, so your
parentheses are superfluous "Ed" wrote: Cell formula =b2/(c4+c5) I know that in this case, c4+c5 will get performed first because it is in brackets. Now, here is my question. =ROUNDUP((D6/D7),0) In this formula, do the brackets around the division cause the division to be performed first even though they are within the roundup brackets? Or would it do the division first anyway, without the brackets? I am thinking that the default procedure would do the division first without the brackets. But, by adding the brackets, I give the computer definite instructions which eliminates a possible problem. (I hope this is so.) Do you agree with my thinking? Ed |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Hi!
But, by adding the brackets, I give the computer definite instructions which eliminates a possible problem. (I hope this is so.) Do you agree with my thinking? Yes! But in the case of your example it's not necessary since it is only a single math operation to divide D6 by D7. In your first example the order of precedence is not exactly as you think (but you're close!) =b2/(c4+c5) Assume: B2 = 10 C4 = 5 C5 = 5 B2/ gets evaluated first, not (C4+C5) So: 10/(C4+C5) 10/10 = 1 Biff "Ed" wrote in message ... Cell formula =b2/(c4+c5) I know that in this case, c4+c5 will get performed first because it is in brackets. Now, here is my question. =ROUNDUP((D6/D7),0) In this formula, do the brackets around the division cause the division to be performed first even though they are within the roundup brackets? Or would it do the division first anyway, without the brackets? I am thinking that the default procedure would do the division first without the brackets. But, by adding the brackets, I give the computer definite instructions which eliminates a possible problem. (I hope this is so.) Do you agree with my thinking? Ed |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Nope. The brackets are totally superfluous in this instance. Excel follows
normal arithmetic conventions, BODMAS I believe is the acronym. In the example you show, there is only one operator, the divide. This will be resolved before the function, ROUND, is applied to it. IMO brackets should be used to change the normal operator precedence, to force an operator to act upon more elements than it would by default, or to group a set of calculations for clarity within a complex formula. Whilst your usage is negligible, neither criteria apply in your example, and unnecessary brackets in complex formulae can make them far more difficult to debug. -- HTH RP (remove nothere from the email address if mailing direct) "Ed" wrote in message ... Cell formula =b2/(c4+c5) I know that in this case, c4+c5 will get performed first because it is in brackets. Now, here is my question. =ROUNDUP((D6/D7),0) In this formula, do the brackets around the division cause the division to be performed first even though they are within the roundup brackets? Or would it do the division first anyway, without the brackets? I am thinking that the default procedure would do the division first without the brackets. But, by adding the brackets, I give the computer definite instructions which eliminates a possible problem. (I hope this is so.) Do you agree with my thinking? Ed |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Equity buildup calculation | Excel Worksheet Functions | |||
Calculation Setting in Excel | Excel Discussion (Misc queries) | |||
How do I use a rounded calculation result in another calculation? | Excel Worksheet Functions | |||
How do I use a rounded calculation result in another calculation? | Excel Worksheet Functions | |||
time-clock calculation | Excel Worksheet Functions |