What you will practise
SIGN returns -1 for a negative value, 0 for zero and 1 for a positive value. It preserves direction without retaining the original magnitude.
SIGN(number)The syntax above is a guide. Read the data and each task to choose the right arguments for your formula.
3 exercises in this lesson
- Exercise 1 · answer in E10
Return the sign of the deviation in D2.
- Exercise 2 · answer in E10
Return the sign of the difference between ledger amount B3 and statement amount C3.
- Exercise 3 · answer in E10
Label D4 "Increase", "Decrease" or "No change" using its sign.
Before you check your answer
- Keep the source data intact. Write your answer in the highlighted result cell. Changing a source value changes the question instead of solving it.
- Use the requested cells. Check the first and last row of a range and read its column heading. A plausible total can still come from the wrong data.
- Reference values that can change. A fixed number may match today's sheet. A cell reference keeps the formula connected when the source values change.
How the answer is checked
The workbook evaluates your formula against the requested result. It also checks the skill being practised and tests the formula with changed source data, so a fixed answer that happens to match is not enough.
Use progressive hints when you need help, then try the task again with fresh data. Correctly solving a step opens the next exercise.
The workbook opens with this skill selected. Work through the exercises at your own pace.