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Chapter 9 Formula Editor 287
Creating a Formula
Creating a Formula
A formula is an expression stored in a column that performs operations in order to insert values into
that column. Formulas can perform mathematical operations, such as addition and multiplication, or
they can compare column values or join values by referring to other areas in the same data table.
Formulas can consist of any JMP Scripting Language (JSL) command. Once you insert a formula into
a column, the column is locked: its values can be edited only by changing or removing the formula.
There are three basic steps to building a formula:
1 Open the formula editor by right-clicking the column name to which you want to apply the
formula and selecting Formula.
or
Double-click the column name to which you want to apply the formula, select Formula from the
Column Properties menu, and then click Edit Formula.
2 Select an empty formula element in the formula editing area by clicking it. (See Figure 9.2.) Note:
An element is selected when there is a red outline around it. All terms within the smallest nesting
box relative to the place you clicked become selected. The subsequent actions apply to those
combined elements.
3 Add expressions, functions, and terms from the formula work panel. (See Figure 9.2.) They are
applied to the highlighted red box. The following sections in this chapter provide detailed
instructions on how to add constants, elements, operators, and functions.
Figure 9.2 Building a Formula
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9Formulas
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See “Using Basic Formula Editor Features,” p. 321, for an example of how to use the formula editor.