Calc Guide

We are concerned that the number shown in Cell C3 is incorrectly
stated. The cause can be seen in the highlighted cells. In this case cell
C16 contains both numeric data as well as letters. Removing the letters
resolves the problem in the calculation.
In other cases we must trace the error. Use the Trace Error function,
found under Tools > Detective > Trace Error, to find the cells that
cause the error.
Examples of functions
For novices, functions are one of the most intimidating features of
OpenOffice.org's Calc. New users quickly learn that functions are an
important feature of spreadsheets, but there are almost four hundred,
and many require input that assumes specialized knowledge.
Fortunately, Calc includes dozens of functions that anyone can use.
Basic arithmetic and statistic functions
The most basic functions create formulas for basic arithmetic or for
evaluating numbers in a range of cells.
Basic arithmetic
The simple arithmetic functions are addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division.
Except for subtraction, each of these operations has its own function:
• SUM for addition
• PRODUCT for multiplication
• QUOTIENT for division.
Traditionally, subtraction does not have a function.
SUM, PRODUCT and QUOTIENT are useful for entering ranges of cells
in the same way as any other function, with arguments in brackets
after the function name.
However, for basic equations, many users prefer the time-honored
computer symbols for these operations, using the plus sign (+) for
addition, the hyphen (–) for subtraction, the asterisk (*) for
multiplication and the forward slash (/) for division. These symbols are
quick to enter without requiring your hands to stray from the
keyboard.
210 OpenOffice.org 3.x Calc Guide