Welcome to week two, and welcome Nikki. Hi, Prashant. This week, we'll be solving business problems using Excel's logical functions. So, Nikki, kindly let us know what exactly Excel's logical functions are? Absolutely. So, a logical function is a function where we perform a logical test. So, we compare two values using a logical operator. This will then return true or false. Based on that value that we get back, we perform one or another action. So, for example, I might want to give some customers in my database a discount if they meet a certain criteria, and not every single customer. Perfect example. So, wherever you need a calculation to perform differently under different circumstances, you're going to look to use a logical function. So, what logical function will we start this week off with? We're going to start with the IF function because it's the most powerful, most versatile, and most commonly used. So, the IF function sounds like a bit of a break away from what we're used to. Could you please break down the IF function for our learners step-by-step? With pleasure. So, the IF function requires three arguments. The first argument is this logical test. This is where we're going to compare two values using a logical operator. So, for example, let's say everything from 50 and over is a pass. If we want to check the students passed or not, we're going to say IF their mark greater than or equal to 50. So, that's our first argument. The second argument is, what we're going to do if that logical test returns a true? So, in this case, we give them a pass. The third argument is, what we're going to do if the logical test returns a false? So, in this case, we give them a fail. So, the placement and the structure of the arguments in the IF function are extremely important. But to me, I would have thought I could have asked the question, did the student get less than 50? That will be equally valid. So, you can ask it either way round. You just need to make sure that your argument is then supported. So, if you ask less than 50, then the second argument will be they got the fail, and the third argument will be they got the pass. Just we do need to be a little careful with those logical operators though. So, for example, you couldn't ask, did the student get greater than 49? Because then they got 49.3, that end up getting a pass. So, just something to look out for. What if we have more than one logical tested before? The IF function on its own can only do the one logical test. But there are two helper functions, the AND and the OR. Their sole job in life is to perform logical tests. They can each do up to 255. So, no real limit there. The way the AND works is if all the logical tests return true, it returns a true. The OR, just one of the tests needs to return true and it will return true. So, we'll have a look at how to work with them on their own. But, as they only return true or false, they kind of limited. But then, what we'll do is we'll keep combining them with the IF function to get the full power. Sounds great. What if we have more than two outcomes? Again. Unfortunately, the IF can only give us the two outcomes. But, what we can do is pack more IFs inside our IF. This is called nested IFs and using net method, we can pretty much get as many outcomes as we need. Are we going to end of the week with a bit of a bonus? Yes. So, then two final little logical functions, the IFNA and IFERROR. They basically allow us to track and manage errors in our own way in our workbook. So again, really helpful little functions. Sounds great. Thank you, Nikki. Now, we've got some practice videos for you. Make sure you download the Excel workbooks and work alongside us step-by-step. When you finish them, come back and practice them again because practice makes permanent. To test your skills in a totally different context, we've got a great practice challenge for you this week. Make sure you check out this week's toolbox as well as this week's great initiative. Now, it's over to you.
