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Excel Vba function, optional argument, or string comparison

Hi expert,

Here is one simple VBA function with optional argument, please help to see what is best to make it work.

Function arith(x, y, Optional operation As String)
If operation = addition Then
arith = x + y
ElseIf operation = subtract Then
arith = x - y
ElseIf operation = multiply Then
arith = x * y
Else
arith = x + y
End If
End Function

The function use addition as default operation.

If we set operation = "subtract", then in the input we use =arith(3, 5, "subtract"), it does work. However, we will like to just use =arith(3, 5, substract), what is the best way to make it work.

Thanks,
RDB

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

[ fanpages ]

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scsyme

The solution above will work fine if you are calling arith from other code. But if, as it seems, you are trying to achieve this so that it works for functions input into cells of a workbook, then you're asking for a lot. I am not sure why you need to do this without the quotes, but one suggestion I have is to consider adding another function like this:

Public Function addition()
    addition = "addition"
End Function

Open in new window

You can then call your original arith function with the following:

=arith(7,6,addition())

Open in new window

Without knowing the underlying reason for your request it is difficult to know whether this could be of any help.

Rob Henson

How about setting your Operation function in a separate cell and then referring to that cell rather than typing it in.

I believe you would set the Operation as a range rather than a string:

Function arith(x, y, Optional operation As Range)

Thanks
Rob H

ResourcefulDB

ASKER

I tried out codes by fanpages, it gives an error message "variable not defined" and the cursor points to the code "eNum_Operation = addition".

what could be the problem.

[ fanpages ]

Can you post the code that fails, & details about which version of MS-Excel you are using, please?

A sample workbook (with any sensitive information removed) would be ideal.

ResourcefulDB

ASKER

ok, I started Excel fresh and input only your code and it works. It is Excel 2010.