Chapter 4 - Spreadsheets

Chapter 4 - Spreadsheets

1. Models

   • a model is a representation of an entity. (e.g. event, object, person or place).
   • A three-dimensional representation of a person or thing or of a proposed structure, typically on a smaller scale than the original.
   • A small object, usually built to scale, that represents in detail another, often larger object.
   • often answer "what if?" questions
   • a usually small copy of something.
   • modelling software is used for the construction of a model

2. factors of a model

   • variables - things that can be changed so that different outcomes can be experienced.
   • rules - that define how the model should behave such as how different materials should behave
   • automatic recalculations - that will show the effects of changing variables
   • being able to process a lot of information quickly

3. characteristics of modelling software

   • view the object in 2D or 3D
   • change viewing angles
   • change the abstraction level, for example look at just the plumbing features or just the walls
   • move or resize objects within the model and see the effects of the change
   • adding external factors such as wind speed and see the effects

4. cells, rows and columns

   • a cell is a location on a worksheet where a single item of data can be entered.
   • a column is a vertical set of cells, and a row a horizontal set of cells

5. more cells

   • cells contain variable data such as numbers, text, dates and times.
   • cells can also contain formulae and functions that perform calculations

6. worksheets and workbooks

   • worksheets are spreadsheets which consist of rows and columns of cells.
   • a workbook is saved as a single file and should contain worksheets that are related to each other.
   • a workbook that stores data about sales should include a worksheet for sales for each:
     • month
     • shop
     • sales person

7. relative cell referencing

   • a relative cell reference is one which is relative to the position of the cell which contains the formula or function

8. absolute cell referencing

   • an absolute cell reference is one which points to an exact cell.

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