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Nested functions

Functions can also be used as arguments within other functions. These are called

nested functions.

=SUM(2;PRODUCT(5;7))

To get an idea of what nested functions can do, imagine that you are designing a self-

directed learning module. During the module, students do three quizzes, and enter

the results in cells A1, A2, and A3. In A4, you can create a nested formula that begins

by averaging the results of the quizzes with the formula =AVERAGE(A1:A3). The

formula then uses the IF function to give the student feedback that depends upon the

average grade on the quizzes. The entire formula would read:

=IF(AVERAGE(A1:A3) >85; "Congratulations! You are ready to advance to

the next module"; "Failed. Please review the material again. If

necessary, contact your instructor for help")

Depending on the average, the student would receive the message for either

congratulations or failure.

Notice that the nested formula for the average does not require its own equal sign.

The one at the start of the equation is enough for both formulas.

If you are new to spreadsheets, the best way to think of functions is as a scripting

language. We've used simple examples to explain the concept more clearly, but,

through nesting of functions, a Calc formula can quickly become complex.

Note

Calc keeps the syntax of a formula displayed in a tool tip next to the

cell as a handy memory aid as you type.

A more reliable method is to use the Function List (Figure 154).

Available from the Insert menu, the Function List automatically docks as a pane on

the right side of the Calc editing window. If you wish, you can Control+double-click

on a blank space at the top of the pane to undock this pane and make it a floating

window.

The Function List includes a brief description of each function and its arguments;

highlight the function and look at the bottom of the pane to see the description. If

necessary, hover the cursor over the division between the list and the description;

when the cursor becomes a two-headed arrow, drag it upwards to increase the space

for the description. Double-click on a function’s name to add it to the current cell,

together with placeholders for each of the function’s arguments.

Clicking on the bar where the 5 dots and arrows are shown (shown by the ellipse in

Figure 154) will hide the list on the right hand side of the screen. Clicking this area

again will show the list, making it easy to keep the list available for easy reference.

Using the Function List is almost as fast as manual entry, and has the advantage of

not requiring that you memorize a formula that you want to use. In theory, it should

also be less error-prone. In practice, though, some users may fumble when replacing

the placeholders with values. Another feature is the ability to display the last

formulas used.

Chapter 7 Using Formulas and Functions 177

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