"Antonio Vernucci" wrote in message
. ..
In correct mathematical convention the expression
let A1 = 2 then

-A1^2 must yield
-A1^2 = -4

otherwise we would have to write
(-A1)^2 = 4

I share your opinion. But there are two Microsofts.

- for Microsoft#1, that is Excel: (-2^2 + 8) = 12

- for Microsoft#2, that is Visual Basic: (-2^2 + 8) = 4


at least they are doing what their help says they should do. in vb6
exponentiation is done before negation. in excel negation is done before
exponentiation. when in doubt use more parenthesis than you think you
should to be sure the calculation is done in the order you are expecting.