Minus Figures

[Ian b]

I'm working on a small programme to calculate my overdraft. Obviously, all the information is in negatives (minus figures), how can I convert these figures into 'positives?

[Squitty]

use the abs ( absolute) function

[BillyBB]

I too am trying to convert my overdraft into positives!
Sadly there only seems to be one way, perhaps if suggest using absolute to the bank . . .

[Hymie]

If Squitty's abs function is not available in your application - square and then square root is one possible method.

[Buenchico]

. . .or simply subtract from zero.

[kempie]

... or multiply by -1

[Hymie]

All the solutions offered will result in changing a negative value to positive (as requested), but be aware that Squitty�s & mine will result in a positive number remaining positive, while the others will result in a negative value.

[kempie]

... and the downside of all figures becoming positive regardless of their original status is that any credit amounts will be indistinguishable from debits and will introduce errors to the calculation.

[Ian b]

Thanks for that all, I haven't tried anything yet, just got in. I don't understand using the abs, how does that work?

[Rollo]

The ABS function returns the magnitude of the value, irrespective of whether it is positive or negative.

ABS(5) = 5

and
ABS(-5) = 5

[factor-fiction]

The above assumes you have excelor something similar with an ABS function. But why not just leave everything as negative?

[Ian b]

Yes, OK, this is getting a bit complicated. I have it already in negative, as you say, it's just I like to get things as near correct as I can (it's only a bit of a project after all). I'll have a look at it later. Cheers.

[Ian b]

OK, ABS seems to be the way foreward. I'm going to proceed as follows: insert an extra column which will hold the absolute figures, which can be used for calculating the interest, then the original column will be left negative in the normal way (for viewing). Care will have to be taken when the 'balance' is a positive. But that's another formula!! Thanks