Question

which excel formula below will yield a value of 8?

• =4*2/4
• =4-2*4
• =4/(2*4)
• =4/2*4

Explanation:

Evaluate the first formula

$$ =4*2/4 $$

Multiplication and division have the same precedence and are evaluated from left to right:

$$ 4 \times 2 = 8 \implies 8 / 4 = 2 $$

Evaluate the second formula

$$ =4-2*4 $$

Multiplication has higher precedence than subtraction:

$$ 2 \times 4 = 8 \implies 4 - 8 = -4 $$

Evaluate the third formula

$$ =4/(2*4) $$

Parentheses are evaluated first:

$$ 2 \times 4 = 8 \implies 4 / 8 = 0.5 $$

Evaluate the fourth formula

$$ =4/2*4 $$

Division and multiplication have the same precedence and are evaluated from left to right:

$$ 4 / 2 = 2 \implies 2 \times 4 = 8 $$

Answer:

• (A) \(=4*2/4\)
• (B) \(=4-2*4\)
• (C) \(=4/(2*4)\)
• (D) \(=4/2*4\) (Correct answer)