In Microsoft Excel, adding or subtracting values is a common task. The mathematical symbols used for addition and subtraction are popularly known as “plus” and “minus.” This guide will explain how to say “plus” or “minus” in Excel, providing formal and informal terminology. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Terminology
In a formal context, it is essential to use professional language. When adding and subtracting values in Excel, you can use the following terms:
1. Plus
Plus
“Plus” is the formal term used in Excel and other spreadsheet programs. It indicates addition between two or more values. For example:
=A1 + B1
This formula will sum the values present in cells A1 and B1.
2. Minus
Minus
“Minus” is the appropriate word to denote subtraction in Excel. It represents the difference between two values. For instance:
=A1 – B1
This formula will subtract the value in cell B1 from the value in cell A1, providing the result.
Informal Terminology
In less formal contexts or when discussing Excel usage with colleagues, you may come across alternative phrases that are more colloquial. Here are some informal ways to refer to addition and subtraction:
1. Plus
Add
One common informal term for addition in Excel is “add.” For example:
=SUM(A1:B1)
The SUM function allows you to add the values within the range A1 to B1.
2. Minus
Subtract
In an informal setting, “subtract” is a widely used term to express the act of subtraction in Excel. Here is an example:
=A1 – B1
The formula provided will subtract the value in cell B1 from the value in cell A1, yielding the result.
Tips for Efficient Calculation
When working with addition or subtraction in Excel, the following tips can help enhance your productivity:
1. Use Parentheses for Clarity
Parentheses
Excel follows the standard mathematical order of operations, which means calculations inside parentheses are performed first. Therefore, if you have multiple additions or subtractions in a single formula, using parentheses can clarify the order. For example:
=(A1 + B1) – (C1 + D1)
This formula will subtract the sum of C1 and D1 from the sum of A1 and B1.
2. Employ AutoSum for Quick Totals
AutoSum
Excel provides a time-saving feature called AutoSum that helps calculate sums automatically. To use AutoSum:
- Select the cell where you want the total to appear.
- Click the AutoSum button (Σ) on the toolbar or use the shortcut Alt+=.
- Verify that Excel has correctly selected the range you want to sum. Adjust the selection if necessary.
- Press Enter or click the green checkmark to complete the sum.
Examples
Let’s examine a few examples to reinforce what we’ve discussed:
Example 1: Formal Terminology:
Suppose you have the following values in cells A1 and B1:
A1: 10
B1: 5
The formula to add these two values formally would be:
=A1 + B1
This formula will yield the sum of 15.
Example 2: Informal Terminology:
If you prefer using informal terms, you could use the following formula:
=SUM(A1:B1)
This formula will also provide the sum of 15, but it uses a different function.
Example 3: Parentheses for Clarity:
Imagine you want to subtract the sum of C1 and D1 from the sum of A1 and B1. You could use the formula:
=(A1 + B1) – (C1 + D1)
This formula will give you the desired result.
Example 4: AutoSum Usage:
If you have a series of values you want to add, you can use the AutoSum feature to save time. Select the cell where you want the total to appear, such as A10, and click the AutoSum button (Σ) on the toolbar or use the shortcut Alt+=. Excel will automatically select the range A1 to A9 and provide the sum in cell A10.
Conclusion
In conclusion, saying “plus” or “minus” in Excel is straightforward. In formal settings, it is appropriate to use the terms “plus” and “minus,” while in informal situations, alternative phrases like “add” and “subtract” are widely accepted. Remember to use parentheses when necessary for clarity, and take advantage of Excel features like AutoSum for time-saving calculations. Happy number crunching in Excel!
