what would Excel predict as additional entries of the first two cells had the following data -1, -5

1 answer

To predict additional entries in Excel based on the initial data of -1 and -5, you can use a number of functions and forecasting methods. Here are a few ways Excel could handle the data:

  1. Linear Trend: If you assume a linear trend based on the two numbers, you can calculate the difference between -1 and -5. The difference is -4 (from -1 to -5). If this pattern continues, the next number would be -5 - 4 = -9, and the one after that would be -9 - 4 = -13.

    So, the predicted entries could be: -1, -5, -9, -13.

  2. Exponential or Polynomial Trend: If you want to consider different types of trends, you could use Excel's built-in forecasting tools like the FORECAST function or create a trendline using a scatter plot. However, with only two data points, creating a more complex polynomial trend may not be accurate or meaningful.

  3. Using the Fill Series Feature: You can also manually select the first two cells with the values -1 and -5, then use Excel’s Fill Handle (dragging the corner of the selected cells down) to predict the next values based on the identified pattern.

Given only the values -1 and -5 and a consistent linear decrease of 4, it is reasonable to predict that the next values would follow this pattern, leading to the entries of -9 and -13 as described above.