Error "#VALUE!"

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Level 1

6 points

Error "#VALUE!"

Cell B2 has the total amount of an invoice. Cells B4 through B11 have numeric entries that get assigned to different categories. Only Cells B4 through B10 are taxable (as reflected in column C (Tax)). Cell C11 is always "0". Column D represents Totals (B+C=D). My problem is that the statement in Cell B11 is supposed to reflect the amount in Cell B2 minus the sum of Cells B4 through B10. In Cell B11 I've written the following: =SUM(B2)-(B4:B10). This causes an error of "#VALUE!" and I cannot find out what I'm doing incorrectly. I'm sure the answer is right in front of my face, but I don't see it.

Thank you for any guidance.

BJW>

iMac

Posted on Feb 4, 2023 8:16 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,273 points

Feb 5, 2023 7:40 AM in response to BJW45-__

=SUM(B2)-(B4:B10) is not correct.

=B2-sum(B4:B10) will take B2 and subtract the sum of B4 to B10 and put it in the cell where the equation is entered.

keep PEMDAS in mind when using spreadsheets.

If you want B2 to be included in the sum of B4:10 you write

=B2+Sum(B4:B10)

Treat all groupings of cells as sets. The : indicates it is a set of everything in the parenthesis in that range.

If there is no numeric value in the cell referred to, it will get #VALUE error. So if you put in text or an apostrophe, it won't add up the numbers.

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Answer 2

BJW45-__ Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 5, 2023 11:13 AM in response to a brody

Thank you very much. The correction in that one cell corrected three other cells that were dependent upon the value of B11. Can you tell me what is meant by your comment "Keep PEMDAS in mind when using spreadsheets."

Thanks again.

BJW>

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Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

85,273 points

Feb 5, 2023 11:18 AM in response to BJW45-__

https://www.cuemath.com/numbers/pemdas/

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Error "#VALUE!"

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