Microsoft Knowledge Base

MXL5: TAN() Function Returns Incorrect Result

Last reviewed: September 12, 1996
Article ID: Q127939
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for the Power Macintosh, version 5.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, when you use the TAN() function to return the tangent of a given angle, the value returned may be incorrect.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if the angle you use in the TAN function contains the value -PI() divided by the value 2, 3 or 4, that is, -PI()/2, -PI()/3 or - PI()/4. For example, if you use the angle -PI()/4, the TAN function returns the value 1, instead of the correct value, -1.

Note that this problem only occurs in Microsoft Excel for the Power Macintosh; this problem does not occur in Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh (68K version).

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was corrected in Microsoft Excel version 5.0a for the Macintosh.

REFERENCES

For more information about TAN(), choose the Search button in MS Excel Help and type:

   TAN Function


KBCategory: kbother
KBSubcategory: xlmac

Additional reference words: 5.00 pi



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Last reviewed: September 12, 1996
©1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Legal Notices.