[R] Spreadsheet math problem (exponentiation)

[John Kane]

It appears that at least three major spreadsheets, Excel, Apache OpenOffice Cal and gnumeric have a problem with the correct order of operations when dealing with exponents. The gnumeric result is very strange. 

This problem has probably been reported before but just in case it has not, it would appear to be one more serious problem with spreadsheets. It might be useful in warning people away from using a spreadsheet for serious analysis.

Excel 

-2^2 = 4

2^2^3 = 64

Apache OpenOffice

-2^2 = 4

2^2^3 = 64

gnumeric # note one correct, one error!

-2^2 = 4

2^2^3 = 256

John Kane
Kingston ON Canada

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