XL: Incorrect Formula for LINEST in Remarks Section of Help

ID: Q140621

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0
Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
Microsoft Excel for Windows NT, version 5.0
Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel 5.0 or 7.0 Help, the definition of the LINEST slope formula is described as the following (in the "Remarks" section in Help):


   m = n-(Sxy)(Sx)(Sy)
       ---------------
       n(S(x2))-(Sx)2

The correct definition is the following:


   m = n(Sxy)-(Sx)(Sy)
       --------------
       n(S(x2))-(Sx)2

The difference between the two functions is the minus (-) sign after the first "n."

NOTE: The "S" in the formulas represents the Greek symbol sigma, which in scientific notation, means sum or sum of.

MORE INFORMATION

This formula is referenced correctly on pages 155-162 of the Microsoft Press book "Microsoft Excel 5 Worksheet Function Reference."

Additional query words:

Keywords : xlwin
Version : WINDOWS:5.0,5.0c,7.0; MACINTOSH:5.0,5.0a
Platform : MACINTOSH WINDOWS
Issue type :