Chapter 8

Decision variable

in solver, a cell in which the value will change to achieve the desired results.

Variable cell

in solver, a cell in which the value will change to achieve the desired results.

Objective cell

in solver, a cell that contains a formula for the results you are trying to determine.

Variable expense

expense that caries depending on the amount of sales.

Fixed expense

expense that remains the same each month regardless of the amount of activity.

Dual-axis chart

a chart that has one series plotted on a secondary axis. Useful when comparing data series that use different scales or different types of measurements.

Nested function

a function that is contained inside another function. The inner function is evaluated first and the result becomes the argument for the outer function.

Logical function

a function that tests for specific conditions.

AND function

a logical function that can be used to develop compound logical test using up to 255 arguments. The function returns a result of TRUE if ALL conditions are met.

OR function

a logical function that can be used to develop compound logical tests using up to 255 argument. The function returns a value of TRUE if any of the conditions are met.

SUMIF function

a logical function that contains one logic test-it will add values in a specified range that meet certain conditions or criteria.

COUNTIF function

a logical function that counts the cells that meet specific criteria in a specific range.

COUNTIFS function

a logical function that counts the cells that meet specific criteria in multiple ranges.

NOT function

a logical function that takes only the one argument and is used to test one condition. If condition is true, false is returned and vise versa.

SUMIFS function

a logical function that will add values in multiple ranges that meet multiple criteria.

Forecast

a prediction of the future, often based on past performance.

Moving average

a sequence of averages computed from parts of a data series.

Scenario

a set of values that Excel saves and can substitute automatically in your worksheet.

Constraint cell

a solver, a cell that contains a value that limits or restricts the outcome.

Scenario manager

a what-if analysis tool that compares alternatives.

Solver

a what-if analysis tool with which you can find an optimal maximum or minimum value for a formula in one cell-refereed to as the objective cell-subject to constraint, or limits, on the values of the other formula cells on a worksheet.

Integer

a whole number.

Add-in

optional command or feature that is not immediately available; you must first install and/or activate it to use it.

Syntax

the arrangement of the arguments of a function.

interval

the number of cells to include in the average

Break-even point

the point at which a company starts to make a profit.

Transpose

to switch the data in rows and columns.