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.

Excel 2003:Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division(Point Method)

You can put in a (minus) for subtraction, (asterisk) * for multiplication, and (slash) / for division. As you become more capable we'll, build some nifty formulas – using these features.

Point Method:

Move to cell C9 again and click-on it. We'll now add the numbers a second way. Tap the Delete key on the keyboard to delete the current formula.
First, tap the = and then POINT (move) the cursor over cell C6 using the mouse, tap the left mouse button on cell C6 (you will see a marquee box go around the cell).


Now tap a + and move cursor to C7, tap the left mouse button, and tap another + and move the cursor to C8 and tap the left mouse button (notice how as you " + and point " the addition formula is being built in cell C9), now tap Enter. The same formula can be built using the arrow movement keys on the keyboard (except that you don’t have to click-on each cell as the cell is marked - as you move the arrows). Notice, as you are entering the cell addresses, that as you place another + in the formula, that the cursor “returns” to cell C9. Also notice, as you point to each cell that it is highlighted by a “marquee box.” This “tells” you what cell you’ve pointed to. Pretty neat!

This method is good when you need to move to numbers that are spread out all over the place. Some people like it best and use it all the time it's your choice.