Argument (in Computer Spreadsheet Programs)

Argument Spreadsheet Excel Functions PMT Function Financial Computation Data Analysis Computer Software Excel
An argument in a computer spreadsheet program refers to the values that must be specified for a given function to execute properly. For instance, in Excel, the PMT function calculates the periodic payment for a loan based on specified arguments like interest rate, number of periods, and principal amount.
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Definition

An argument in the context of a computer spreadsheet program refers to the input values required by a function to execute and return a result. These arguments can be numbers, text, cell references, or even other functions. They are specified within the function’s parentheses and are separated by commas.

Examples

  1. PMT Function in Excel:

    • The PMT function calculates the periodic payment for a loan.
    • Syntax: PMT(rate, nper, pv)
      • rate: The interest rate for each period.
      • nper: The total number of payment periods.
      • pv: The present value or the loan amount.

    Example usage: =PMT(0.05/12, 60, -10000) calculates the monthly payment for a loan of $10,000 over 5 years at an annual interest rate of 5%.

  2. SUM Function in Excel:

    • The SUM function adds all the numbers in a range of cells.
    • Syntax: SUM(number1, [number2], ...)
      • number1, number2, …: These are the numbers or range of cells you want to sum.

    Example usage: =SUM(A1:A10) adds all the numbers from cells A1 to A10.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between an argument and a parameter in a function?

Answer: The terms “argument” and “parameter” are often used interchangeably but technically refer to different stages related to function calls. A parameter is a variable in the declaration of the function, while an argument is the actual value passed to the function when it is executed.

2. Can a function have no arguments?

Answer: Yes, some functions do not require any arguments. For example, the NOW() function in Excel returns the current date and time without needing any arguments.

3. Can you use cell references as arguments in a function?

Answer: Absolutely. Cell references are commonly used as arguments in functions to perform calculations based on the values contained in those cells. For instance, =SUM(B2:B5) sums all the values in cells B2 through B5.

4. Are arguments case-sensitive?

Answer: In most spreadsheet programs, function names are not case-sensitive. Thus, SUM(A1:A5) is equivalent to sum(A1:A5).

5. What happens if an argument is not specified where one is required?

Answer: Omitting a required argument typically results in an error. For example, if a required argument is missing in an Excel function, you might see a #VALUE! or #N/A error.

  • Function: A predefined formula that performs calculations using specific values, called arguments.
  • Parameter: A variable in the declaration of the function that accepts an argument.
  • Spreadsheet: A digital worksheet that allows users to organize, analyze, and store data in tabular form.
  • Syntax: The set of rules that defines the combinations of symbols considered correctly structured for the function.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  • “Excel 2019 Bible” by Michael Alexander, Richard Kusleika, and John Walkenbach
  • “Data Analysis Using Microsoft Excel: Updated for Office 2007” by Michael R. Middleton
  • “Excel Formula & Function Cheatsheet” by Curtis Frye

Fundamentals of Arguments in Computer Spreadsheet Programs: Data Analysis Basics Quiz

### What is an argument in the context of a computer spreadsheet program? - [ ] A conflict between two users of the spreadsheet. - [x] A value specified for a function to execute properly. - [ ] The title of a spreadsheet. - [ ] A type of error in a spreadsheet. > **Explanation:** An argument refers to the input values required by a function to execute and return a result. ### How is the PMT function used in Excel? - [ ] To sum a range of cells. - [x] To calculate the periodic payment for a loan. - [ ] To find Excel errors. - [ ] To sort data. > **Explanation:** The PMT function in Excel is used to calculate the periodic payment for a loan based on specified arguments like interest rate, number of payment periods, and the principal amount. ### What is the syntax for the SUM function in Excel? - [ ] `SUM(cell, range)` - [ ] `SUM(sum1, sum2)` - [x] `SUM(number1, [number2], ...)` - [ ] `SUM(total, values)` > **Explanation:** The correct syntax for the SUM function is `SUM(number1, [number2], ...)`, where number1, number2, etc., are the numbers or ranges you want to add. ### Which argument represents the principal amount in the PMT function? - [x] `pv` - [ ] `rate` - [ ] `nper` - [ ] `payment` > **Explanation:** In the PMT function, `pv` represents the present value or the principal amount of the loan. ### What would happen if a required argument is omitted in an Excel function? - [ ] The function would work but slower. - [ ] Excel would automatically fill in a default value. - [x] An error, such as #VALUE! or #N/A, would typically be displayed. - [ ] The values from other cells would be used. > **Explanation:** Omitting a required argument in an Excel function generally results in an error like #VALUE! or #N/A. ### Can a function in Excel have no arguments? - [x] Yes, some functions require no arguments. - [ ] No, all functions must have at least one argument. - [ ] Only error-checking functions can have no arguments. - [ ] Only date and time functions can have no arguments. > **Explanation:** Yes, some functions, like `NOW()`, do not require any arguments and still return meaningful results. ### Are function names in Excel case-sensitive? - [x] No, function names are not case-sensitive. - [ ] Yes, function names are case-sensitive. - [ ] Only specific functions are case-sensitive. - [ ] It depends on the version of Excel. > **Explanation:** In Excel, function names are not case-sensitive. Therefore, `SUM(A1:A5)` is equivalent to `sum(A1:A5)`. ### What is a correct example of cell reference as an argument in a function? - [ ] `SUM(A:A5)` - [ ] `AVERAGE('A1B1')` - [x] `SUM(B2:B5)` - [ ] `PRODUCT(A!1:A!5)` > **Explanation:** `SUM(B2:B5)` correctly uses cell references as arguments to add values from cells B2 through B5. ### What term is used for a variable in the function declaration? - [ ] Argument - [ ] Value - [x] Parameter - [ ] Result > **Explanation:** A parameter is a variable listed as part of a function's declaration, while an argument is the actual value passed to the function. ### Which of the following spreadsheet programs is known for using arguments in functions? - [x] Microsoft Excel - [ ] Adobe Acrobat - [ ] Oracle - [ ] Windows Paint > **Explanation:** Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program where arguments are used in functions to perform various calculations.

Thank you for diving deep into the concept of arguments in computer spreadsheet programs and testing your knowledge with our comprehensive quiz. Keep honing your data analysis skills!

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