How to Convert Numbers Using a Linear or Quadratic Function in Excel?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to convert numbers using linear or quadratic functions in Excel, specifically focusing on transforming specific values (e.g., converting 100 to 1.0, 99 to 1.1, and 25 to 2.5). The scope includes mathematical reasoning and application in Excel.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants request specific Excel formulas for number conversion.
  • One participant suggests dividing by 10 as a method to convert 25 to 2.5, expressing uncertainty about its correctness.
  • Another participant proposes a linear function of the form y = ax + b to achieve the desired conversions, providing calculations for coefficients a and b.
  • A later reply indicates that the linear function proposed does not yield the expected result for x = 25, suggesting that a quadratic function may be necessary for the conversions.
  • There is a suggestion to rethink the approach to the problem, indicating potential confusion or misalignment in understanding the conversion requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method for conversion, with multiple competing views on whether a linear or quadratic function is appropriate for the task.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the nature of the conversion and the specific requirements for the function, as well as the potential for multiple valid approaches.

chrisalviola
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any formulas pls.
 
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\frac{25}{10}=2.5


What exactly are you asking for?
 
i need the formula in excel
i need to convert 100 to 1.0, 99 to 1.1 so on

to make it simple how do you convert 25 to 2.5?
 
You need,

www.mrexcel.com

or similar. Try a google search on excel tutorials.
 
divide by 10 :/

25/10 = 2.5 :/ not sure if this is write, just thought i'd try to help
 
chrisalviola said:
i need the formula in excel
i need to convert 100 to 1.0, 99 to 1.1 so on

to make it simple how do you convert 25 to 2.5?

Divide by 10? You have not stated what you really want to do. There are an infinite number of ways to "convert 10 to 1.0, 99 to 1.1" that would give different results for all other numbers.

A LINEAR function, the simplest, is of the form y= ax+ b. You want y= 1 when x= 100 and y= 1.1 when x= 99 so you want 1= 100a+b and 1.1= 99a+ b. Subtracting the first equation from the second, 0.1= -a so a= -0.1. Then the first equation becomes 1= -10+ b so b= 11.

If y= -0.1x+ 11 then x= 100 gives y= -0.1(100)+ 11= -10+ 11= 1 and x= 99 gives y= -0.1(99)+ 11= -9.9+ 11= 1.1.

However, if x= 25, y= -0.1(25)+ 11= -2.5+ 11= 8.5, not 2.5.

If you really want to transform 100 to 1, 99 to 1.1, and 25 to 2.5, you will need at least a quadratic function: y= ax2+ bx+ c.

Then 1= 10000a+ 10b+ c, 1.1= 9801a+ 99a+ c, and 2.5= 625a+ 25b+ c. Solve those equations for a, b, and c.

However, I would suggest that you rethink what it is that you are trying to do.
 

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