Entering Formulas

When you select Calculated from the Type drop-down list in the General tab, the Formula tab containing the formula building buttons become available. The formula builders are context sensitive features that let you build formulas for calculated KBIs. You can manually create a formula by using the Insert KBI, Insert Operator and Insert Function buttons, or you can use the Formula Builder button. The Formula Builder button is a combination of the other three function buttons and walks you through a logical progression of steps. Once you have become familiar with the syntax of creating calculated KBIs, you can manually enter the formula directly into the Formula field.  

Terms and Definitions

Insert KBI

Build your formula by choosing KBIs from a list.

  • Days to offset—Once you have selected a KBI, there are three choices for the value you want to give it:
    • Previous day's value [expressed as a negative number]
    • Current day's value [expressed as 0]
    • Future day's value [expressed as positive numbers 1,2,3 etc.]

Insert Operator

Enter the type of operation you want to perform:

  • addition
  • subtraction
  • multiplication
  • division
  • modulo (divide and return the remainder).

Insert Function

Choose from a pre-defined set of functions. Depending on the function you choose, you will get different dialog boxes.

Formula Builder

Assists you in creating formulas using a logical progression of steps.  This button is context sensitive based on the cursor position in the formula edit box. The Formula Builder works best when creating new formulas rather than editing existing formulas.

  • A KBI Value—Choose a KBI to insert into the formula.
  • A Special Function—Choose a function to insert into the formula.
  • Numeric Constant—Use a specific number in the calculation.

Clear

Clears the formula field  to start over.

Note: This function clears the whole field, not just a portion of the formula.



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