Some calculation expressions you might want to try do not provide expected or reliable results.

Calculations in value sets and column cells—The Conditional expression shown below is not supported by Studio, even though it does not turn red. Some simpler equations may actually work correctly when inserted in the Values cell or a rule column cell, but it is a dangerous habit to get into because more complex equations generally do not work. It is best to express equations as shown in the previous sections.

Figure 1. Calculation in a Values Cell and Column

Calculations in rule statements—Even though it is possible to embed attributes from the Vocabulary inside Rule Statements, it is not possible to embed equations or calculations in them. Operators and equation syntax not enclosed in braces {..} are treated like all other characters in the Rule Statement: Nothing will be calculated. If the Rule Statement shown in the following figure is posted by an action in rule 1, then the message will be displayed exactly as shown; it will not calculate a result of any kind.

Figure 2. Calculation in a Rule Statement

Likewise, including equation syntax within curly brackets along with other Vocabulary terms is also not permitted. Doing so can cause your text to turn red, as shown:

Figure 3. Embedding a calculation in a rule statement

However, even if the syntax does not turn red, you should not perform calculations in Rule Statements—it may cause unexpected behavior. When red, the tool tip should give you some guidance as to why the text is invalid. In this case, the exponent operator (**) is not allowed in an embedded expression.