When entering data, it is important to know how to do it correctly. A tiny mistake in typing can be catastrophic, so one must be careful. It is also important to know which operators to use to perform the basic mathematical operations. We use the plus sign (+) for addition (2+2= 4), we use the minus sign (-) for subtraction (5-3= 2) and negation (-1), we use the asterisk (*) for multiplication (3*3= 9), we use the forward slash (/) for division (2/2= 1) and we use the caret (^) for exponential (4^2 = 16).

When typing an equation or formula, the first thing that must be entered is an equal sign (=). The equal sign makes it possible for Excel to calculate your equation. Another thing that you must know is that the use of parenthesis is extremely important. If you don’t place a parenthesis in the right position, you will end up with an entirely different answer than the one you desire. For example, 5+2*3 (= 11) is not the same as (5+2)*3 (=21). To correctly use the parenthesis, you must remember the Order of Operations. First, you perform the calculations inside the parenthesis, then all the multiplications and divisions (from left to right), and finally all the additions and subtractions (from left to right).