Because iWork is actually an extension of the Appleworks product there is a tight integration among the three products. A table in Pages can be worked like a table in Numbers. In fact the table in pages can take formulas and has access to all of the functions defined for iWork. Does that mean the functions are unusual? Nope, follow along and I’ll sing the song of formulas.
The next time that you are in a table in pages try this simple formula. Type “=2+3” and then press th enter key. You should see the formula edit area illustrated in this screen shot.
So, here are the rules for formulas in the iWorks product. All formulas begin with an equal sign (=). The equal sign is followed by an expression. An expression is anything that can be resolved as a value. You can use numbers, and cell references all the way to functions.
Cell references are the names of cells starting with their column letter and row number. Top left cell of any table is called A1. That can be typed as a1 or A1. Therefore the formula for adding cells a1 and a2 is “=a1+a2”. You’ll see the formula edit box show up when you first type “=” into a cell.
You don’t even have to type the cell reference at all if you don’t want. Just type the “=” and click on the cell you want to reference. It will type the name of that cell in your formula. Type in the operator and then click on the next cell if you are adding to cells together. Press the enter key to enter the formula, and Bang! — you have your formula.
Remember that formulas may be added to any table in iWorks. The formulas have the same syntax, and share the same function libraries.
Do you use formulas in iWork ‘09? If so, share your knowledge or ask a question in the comment section below.
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