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EXCEL DATA ANALYSIS

EDIT FORMULAS

fter creating a formula in a cell, the data analyst can You can change an argument of the formula in the Function
update it to accommodate new data. You can modify Argument dialog box, which allows you to select new cell
A the cells a formula references, change its arguments, ranges for each argument. When you accept the changes,
or move the formula to an entirely new cell within the Excel updates the cell references. You access the Function
worksheet. For more on working with functions and Argument via the Insert Function button.
arguments in Excel, see Appendix D.
When you move data to a new cell on your worksheet,
You can modify a formula and the arguments either by editing Excel copies the data and pastes it to the new location. All
it directly within the worksheet, or if your formula includes a cell references in the formula, whether absolute or relative,
function, by using the Function Arguments dialog box. To remain the same. For example, if you move the formula
modify a formula, you select the cell containing the formula. =SUM(A1:A5), which has relative reference, in cell A6 into
Alternatively you can select the cell and edit the formula in cell B6, the cell references in the formula remain
the Formula bar on the toolbar. This places the cursor in the unchanged. You move a formula simply by dragging it to a
cell, and highlights the cells that the formula references. Each new cell. Excel moves any formatting with the data. For
argument of the formula displays in a different color in the example, if the original cell containing the formula was Bold
formula, and the referenced cells are outlined in the same Arial 10pt, the new cell also displays the formula result in
color, making it easy to identify each argument value. Bold Arial 10pt.

EDIT FORMULAS

MODIFY A FORMULA ¤ Highlight the cell CHANGE ARGUMENTS Note: See "Add a Function via the
reference, and select a Insert Function Dialog Box" for more
⁄ Double-click the cell ⁄ Click the cell containing
containing the formula. new one. the formula. information.
■ Excel changes the cell ‹ Type the range changes to
■ Excel color-codes the ¤ Click the Insert Function
referenced cells. reference in the formula. button to display a dialog the formula arguments.
‹ Press Enter to update the box. › Click OK to update the
formula. formula.
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