Apple Numbers '08 - Manual (Page 89)

Chapter 5 Using Formulas and Functions in Tables 89
Here are ways to open the Formula Editor:
m Select a table cell and then type the equal sign (=).
m Double-click a table cell that contains a formula.
m Select a table cell, click Function in the toolbar, and then choose Formula Editor from
the pop-up menu.
m Select a table cell and then choose Insert > Function > Formula Editor.
When the Formula Editor opens, it appears over the selected cell. To move the Formula
Editor, hover the cursor over the left side of the Formula Editor until the cursor changes
into a hand, then click and drag.
When you select a cell that contains a formula, its arguments are highlighted in color
and the formula is displayed in the Formula Bar, which can also be used to edit a
formula. See “Using the Formula Bar” on page 90 for details.
Adding a New Formula with the Formula Editor
Use the Formula Editor to create a formula.
To add a new formula using the Formula Editor:
1 Select the cell in which you want to display the result of the formula.
2 Open the Formula Editor. For example, type the equal sign (=).
3 Use the text field to specify the formula, making sure the equal sign is the first
character in your formula.
To learn techniques for including cell references in your formulas, see “Using Cell
References” on page 91.
To learn about using operators in formulas, see “Using Operators” on page 94.
To learn how to insert a function into a formula, see “Using Functions” on page 96.
4 To save changes, press Return, press Enter, or click the Accept button in the Formula
Editor. You can also click outside the table.
To close the Formula Editor and discard changes, press Esc or click the Cancel button in
the Formula Editor.
Editing a Formula with the Formula Editor
You can use the Formula Editor when you want to edit a formula.
To edit a formula:
1 Double-click a table cell that contains a formula. The Formula Editor opens, with the
formula displayed in the text field and its arguments highlighted in color.
2 Make changes as required. You can use the arrow keys to move the insertion point
around in the text field.