Excel 2003:Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division(Function Methd)

Function Method:
Move again to cell C9. Delete the formula by tapping the Delete key again.


Now type in the following: =SUM(


[This tells Excel that we are going to sum some numbers in a RANGE which will follow the =SUM(.]

There are two ways to put in this range:



Arrow Key and Anchor Method:

With the keyboard arrow keys, move the cursor to cell C6. As you move you will notice that the cell where the cursor is located appears after the =SUM(. When you get to C6 tap the . (Period) Key. This is called an ANCHOR and holds one end of the RANGE in place. You will notice that a C6:C6 appears in the formula area under the button bar. This is a one cell range. Now move, with the arrow keys, to cell C8. See how cells C6, C7 and C8 are highlighted. This indicates the Range is C6:C8. Excel assumes, logically, that these are the numbers you want to add. Now tap Enter. The numbers still add, but now the formula reads =SUM(C6:C8) instead of =C6+C7+C8 like it did before.


Mouse Method:

Move again to cell C9. Delete the formula in cell C9 by tapping the Delete key. Type in =SUM( as you did before. Point to Cell C6 – with your mouse cursor. Click and hold down the left mouse button and move/drag the cursor down to cell C8. (Cells C6, C7 and C8 should be highlighted.) Now tap Enter.

This =SUM Function is a great way to add a lot of numbers, or a block/range of numbers. By simply anchoring, and using page downs, or using the mouse, you can highlight lots and lots of numbers to add quickly. However, since it only sums you can't do subtraction, etc.


Point to cell C9 again. Tap the Delete key to remove the formula currently in cell C9. This is a really important DELETE, since what we’ll explain below won’t work correctly if you do not delete the formula in cell C9.