Apple iWork '09 - Manual (Page 34)

Information About Functions
For further information on Go to
Syntax used in function definitions “Syntax Elements and Terms Used In Function
Definitions” on page 34
Types of arguments that are used by functions “Value Types” on page 36
Categories of functions, such as duration and
statistical “Listing of Function Categories” on page 40.
Functions are listed alphabetically within each
category.
Arguments common to several financial functions “Common Arguments Used in Financial
Functions” on page 341
Supplemental examples and topics “Additional Examples and Topics Included” on
page 340
Syntax Elements and Terms Used In Function Definitions
Functions are described using specific syntax elements and terms.
Term or symbol Meaning
uppercase text Function names are shown in all uppercase text.
However, a function name can be entered using
any combination of uppercase or lowercase
letters.
parentheses Function arguments are enclosed in parentheses.
Parentheses are required, although in limited
circumstances iWork can automatically insert the
final closing parenthesis for you.
italic text Italic text indicates that you must replace the
argument name with a value the function will
use to calculate a result. Arguments have a value
type, such as “number,” “date/time,” or “string.”
Value types are discussed in “Value Types” on
page 36.
commas and semicolons The syntax descriptions for functions use commas
to separate arguments. If your Language and Text
preferences (Mac OS X version 10.6 or higher) or
International preferences (earlier versions of Max
OS X) are set up to use the comma as a decimal
separator, separate arguments using a semicolon
instead of a comma.
34 Chapter 2 Overview of the iWork Functions