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Excel - Operator order Tutorial

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Available in Microsoft365

Objectifs :

Understand the order of operations in Excel formulas and how to apply it using the mnemonic 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally'.

Chapitres :

Introduction to Order of Operations
In Excel, as in mathematics, the order of operations is crucial for accurately calculating formulas. This guide will help you remember the sequence in which operations should be performed using a helpful mnemonic.
Mnemonic for Order of Operations
The mnemonic 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally' helps to remember the order of operations: - Parentheses - Exponents - Multiplication and Division (from left to right) - Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
Evaluating Parentheses
Calculations within parentheses are evaluated first, starting from the innermost set if they are nested. For example, in the expression (3 + 3), the addition is performed first, resulting in 6.
Working with Nested Parentheses
When dealing with nested parentheses, the innermost pair is evaluated first. For instance, in the expression ((4 + 2) + 3), the calculation of (4 + 2) is performed first, yielding 6, which is then added to 3 for a final result of 9.
Exponents
Exponents are evaluated after parentheses but are not the focus of this course. However, it's important to note that they follow the evaluation of parentheses.
Multiplication and Division
After evaluating parentheses and exponents, multiplication and division are performed next, moving from left to right. For example, in the expression 30 / 5 * 3, you would first divide 30 by 5 to get 6, and then multiply by 3 to arrive at 18.
Addition and Subtraction
Finally, addition and subtraction are performed from left to right. For example, in the expression 5 - 3 - 6, you would first calculate 5 - 3 to get 2, and then subtract 6 to arrive at -4.
Conclusion
Understanding the order of operations is essential for accurate calculations in Excel. By using the mnemonic 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally', you can easily remember the sequence of operations and apply it effectively in your formulas.

FAQ :

What is the order of operations in Excel formulas?

The order of operations in Excel formulas follows the standard math rules: Parentheses first, then Exponents, followed by Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and finally Subtraction and Addition (from left to right).

How do parentheses affect calculations in Excel?

Parentheses indicate that the operations within them should be performed first. For example, in the expression (5 - 3) + 2, the subtraction is calculated first, resulting in 2, which is then added to 2 for a final result of 4.

What does the mnemonic 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally' mean?

This mnemonic helps remember the order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).

Why is the order of operations important?

The order of operations is important because it ensures that calculations are performed in a consistent manner, leading to the correct results. Without it, different people might interpret and solve the same expression differently.

Can I use nested parentheses in Excel formulas?

Yes, you can use nested parentheses in Excel formulas. The innermost parentheses are evaluated first, followed by the outer ones, which allows for complex calculations.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Financial Calculations

In financial modeling, using the correct order of operations is crucial for calculating interest, loan payments, and investment returns. For example, when calculating compound interest, parentheses are used to ensure that the interest rate is applied correctly over multiple periods.

Data Analysis

When analyzing data in Excel, applying the correct order of operations allows for accurate calculations of averages, sums, and other statistical measures. For instance, when calculating a weighted average, parentheses help ensure that the weights are applied correctly before summing the values.

Project Management

In project management, Excel can be used to calculate project timelines and budgets. Understanding the order of operations helps project managers accurately compute total costs and timelines by ensuring that all components are calculated in the correct sequence.

Engineering Calculations

Engineers often use Excel for calculations involving formulas that require precise order of operations, such as in physics equations. For example, calculating force using the formula F = m * a requires understanding multiplication and parentheses to ensure correct results.

Glossaire :

Operator Order

The sequence in which different mathematical operations are performed in a formula. This order is crucial for obtaining the correct result.

Mnemonic

A memory aid that helps in recalling information. In this context, 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally' is a mnemonic for remembering the order of operations.

Parentheses

Symbols used in mathematics to indicate that the operations within them should be performed first. For example, in the expression (3 + 2), the addition is performed before any other operations.

Exponents

A mathematical notation indicating the number of times a number (the base) is multiplied by itself. For example, 2^3 means 2 multiplied by itself three times (2 * 2 * 2).

Multiplication

A mathematical operation where a number is added to itself a certain number of times. For example, 3 multiplied by 4 (3 * 4) equals 12.

Division

A mathematical operation where a number is divided by another number. For example, 12 divided by 4 (12 / 4) equals 3.

Subtraction

A mathematical operation where one number is taken away from another. For example, 5 minus 3 (5 - 3) equals 2.

00:00:06

I find the following mnemonic helpful in remembering these.

00:00:10

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.

00:00:13

Parentheses first, innermost if nested,

00:00:18

exponents, multiplication and division, left to right

00:00:22

and lastly, addition and subtraction, left to right.

00:00:28

Calculations in parentheses are evaluated first.

00:00:32

Inner to outer if they are nested.

00:00:36

In this example, 3+3 is in parentheses,

00:00:40

so those numbers are added first.

00:00:43

This leaves us with 6*5, which is 30.

00:00:47

This is an example of nested parentheses.

00:00:51

What's in the innermost pair is evaluated first.

00:00:55

4/2 is 2

00:00:58

and that's added to 3 for a result of 5.

00:01:03

Exponents are evaluated next.

00:01:06

But they're outside the scope of this course.

00:01:10

Multiplication and division are evaluated next, working from left to right.

00:01:16

In this example, going from left to right, 30/5 is 6.

00:01:23

And 6*3 is 18.

00:01:27

With parentheses around 5*3, this returns a different result.

00:01:33

5*3 is evaluated first since it's in parentheses returning 15.

00:01:41

Then 30 is divided by 15 resulting in 2.

00:01:47

Last in operator order are addition and subtraction, working from left to right.

00:01:55

In this example, working from left to right, 5+3 is 8

00:02:00

and 8-6 is 2.

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