Why does Excel change my formulas?

[Guest]

I originally typed in this formula in a cell:
-360/12*1.03

Although Excel calculated the answer properly, it changed my formula to:
-30*1.03

I've not encountered this phenomena before.

 

[ScottO]

Without actually knowing the answer, my guess at it is that when you
entered the formula with a leading "-", Excel interpreted 360/12 as a
fraction rather than a division sum and reduced it down to it's
lowest common denominator.
I'm not sure whether this is an intentional "feature" or just an
unintended consequence.
If you don't want the automatic conversion enter the formula as
=-360/12*1.03 instead and it will remain as typed.
Rgds,
ScottO

| I originally typed in this formula in a cell:
| -360/12*1.03
|
| Although Excel calculated the answer properly, it changed my
formula to:
| -30*1.03
|
| I've not encountered this phenomena before.

 

[JE McGimpsey]

Did you by chance select the -360/12 part and press F9?