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Analyzing Data with the Analysis ToolPak 38
FIGURE 38.4
The Descriptive Statistics dialog box.
Because the output for this procedure consists of values (not formulas), you should use this procedure only
when you’re certain that your data isn’t going to change; otherwise, you will need to re-execute the procedure.
You can generate all these statistics by using formulas.
The Exponential Smoothing tool
Exponential smoothing is a technique for predicting data that is based on the previous data point and the
previously predicted data point. You can specify the damping factor (also known as a smoothing constant),
which can range from 0 to 1. This factor determines the relative weighting of the previous data point and
the previously predicted data point. You also can request standard errors and a chart.
The exponential smoothing procedure generates formulas that use the damping factor that you specify.
Therefore, if the data changes, Excel updates the formulas.
The F-Test (two-sample test for variance) tool
The F-Test is a commonly used statistical test that enables you to compare two population variances. Figure
38.5 shows the dialog box for this tool.
FIGURE 38.5
The F-Test dialog box.
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