Topic 10 - Spreadsheets

Topic 10 - Spreadsheets

1. Cells: each cell can contain: labels (any text in a cell describing the data in a row or column), data (any values that are entered for the use of calculation), formulas and functions (mathematical calculations carried out automatically)

2. Formulas: perform calculations on cell contents, the result of a formula is automatically recalculated every time the data on a spreadsheet changes.

3. Functions: part of spreadsheet software, specialised calculations built in to the spreadsheet software.

4. Replicating cells: position your mouse pointer in the bottom right hand corner of a cell and drag down to replicate.

5. Graphs and charts: allows us to recognise trends easily using bar charts, pie charts and line graphs.

6. Relative cell referencing: if a formula is copied by filling down, the cell references are adjusted as you drag down. this is because it uses the relative address of the cells based on their position in the worksheet.

7. Absolute cell refrencing: used when part of a formula needs to stay the same. all other cells will change when the formula is copied down , but if you use absolute cell referencing the value of that cell won't change.

8. What if calculations: changing data in a speadsheet model allows you to make and test predictions. these are known as what if calculations. they allow you to use a spreadsheet to see what would happen if certain figures changed in a speadsheet.