Why doesn't a recursive program work?

[DavidSCowan]

Hi

I am trying to learn about recursive programs but when I write a really simple one - to sum numbers up to n - I get #VALUE! error. Can someone please tell me what i am doing wrong.
Function mySum
Dim n As Integer
Dim result As Integer
If n <= 1 Then
result = 1

Else: result = n + mySum(n - 1)
End If
mySum = result
End Function

Thank you

 

[RoryA]

Did you remove your old version and did you force the function to recalculate by re-entering it after altering the code?

 

[DavidSCowan]

Hi Inzuri

Thank you very much for engaging with this. I have the function saved in a module in a file which contains all my subs. I am testing it in a worksheet in this same workbook by typing "=my" which brings up all the "mys" including "mySumRoryA" which is Rory's version and I then insert the number so in the cell "mySumRoryA(4)". When I put -4, as Andrew did, I get the correct answer i.e. 1. But any other number e.g. 4 returns the error!

I just can't see why it doesn't work!

David

 

[DavidSCowan]

Rory

Thank you very much for your reply.

No I didn't remove the old version although I took out the dim statement but I put your's in with a different name "mySumRoryA" which I am now using. And yes I did make tt he formula recalculate by always reentering the formula from scratch.

David

 

[RoryA]

Please copy and paste here the exact code you now have for my version.

 

[DavidSCowan]

Hi Rory

In preparing to copy and paste the exact code I have been using I have found an error which i made when I renamed the function containing your code - many apologies! All's well now.

Thank you very much for all your attention in this matter.

 

[RoryA]