Using arithmetic expressions

You can use arithmetic expressions in many (but not all) places in statements where numeric data items are allowed.

About this task

For example, you can use arithmetic expressions as comparands in relation conditions:


If (a + b) > (c - d + 5) Then. . .

Arithmetic expressions can consist of a single numeric literal, a single numeric data item, or a single intrinsic function reference. They can also consist of several of these items connected by arithmetic operators.

Arithmetic operators are evaluated in the following order of precedence:

Table 1. **Order of evaluation of arithmetic operators**
Operator	Meaning	Order of evaluation
Unary + or -	Algebraic sign	First
**	Exponentiation	Second
/ or *	Division or multiplication	Third
Binary + or -	Addition or subtraction	Last

Operators at the same level of precedence are evaluated from left to right; however, you can use parentheses to change the order of evaluation. Expressions in parentheses are evaluated before the individual operators are evaluated. Parentheses, whether necessary or not, make your program easier to read.