Introduction

What is selectNsolve Basic™?

selectNsolve Basic™ is an add-on that solves single-variable equations with minimal requirements. Any text in individual cells containing a single equal sign ("=") is automatically recognized as "math text."

Core Syntax Reference

Working with Equations

Standard Equation Format

LHS = RHS | Precision

• LHS: Left-hand side (mathematical expression)

• RHS: Right-hand side (mathematical expression)

• Precision: Number between 0 and 1 (flagged by the pipe character "|")

The pipe character separates the equation from its precision requirement.

⚠️ Important: LHS and RHS must be or contain a Name. Neither the LHS or RHS can be a Number. No units are allowed (only conversion factors). Also, only one equation and one variable is allowed per selection.

Grouping Symbols

• Parentheses: ( )

• Brackets: [ ]

• Braces: { }

Operators

Control characters and Unicode math operators:

• ^ (exponent)

• * × ⋅ (multiplication)

• / (division)

• + - (addition/subtraction)

• All Unicode math operators supported for future use

Names and Units

Any sequence of one or more Unicode characters (excluding math operators)

Numbers

• Use general format: 2340 or scientific notation: 2.34E3

• Do not use commas: 2,340 is invalid

Defining Elements

Constants

Without units:

Name = Number

Example: pi = 3.14159

With units:

Name = Number Unit

Example: speed = 60 mph

⚠️ Important: The equal sign followed by a number is only valid for Constants and Variables. For other expressions, use grouping symbols: i.e. y = (3) * x + 1 and x - 3*y = (5) * z | 0.9

Formulas

To use worksheet functions, declare them explicitly:

Formulas: LOG10; SIN This tells selectNsolve Basic™ which functions are available in your worksheet.

Cell References

Format:

Name = [optional spaces]

• The cell must be included in your math text selection

• The adjacent cell to the right will display the calculated value for Constants, Variables, or Derivations

Derivations

Name = RHS

Use this format to define derived values or intermediate calculations.

Variables

Constant > Minimum < Maximum

Example: pressure = 100 Pa > 50 < 150

Getting Started

Ready to begin? Start with simple constants and variables, then progress to more complex equations as you become comfortable with the syntax. The minimal conventions mean less time memorizing rules and more time solving problems.

For tutorials, examples, and advanced features, explore the rest of our documentation.

Important Note About Units

selectNsolve Basic™ does not track or manipulate units.

While the software helps you solve equations quickly, understanding and correctly manipulating units (dimensions) is critical to getting the right answer. Unit manipulation remains an essential skill for any test-taker or professional engineer.

You are responsible for ensuring:

• Input values use consistent units

• Output values are interpreted with correct units

• Unit conversions are performed accurately