Topic 10: Spreadsheets

Topic 10: Spreadsheets

1. Workbook: a single file that can store all data, made up of one or more worksheets which is a single tab in the spreadsheet workbook

2. Cells

   • Starts with a letter and ends with a number e.g. H13
   • Data entered can be different data types e.g. Text or number
   • Cells can contain: Labels-any text in a cell describing data n a row or column, Data-any values entered to use in calculations or Formulas and functions-mathematical calculations carried out automatically

3. Formulas

   • Must start with an =
   • Perform calculations on cell contacts and appear in formula bar
   • Four main operations are: +, -, *, /

4. Functions

   • Also start with an =
   • Specialised calculations built into spreadsheet software
   • Function describes what it can do e.g. AVERAGE works out the average of a range of cells

5. Formatting

   • Font style, size, colour, border styles, alignment and cell colour can all be formatted
   • Cells are often formatted to reflect data in them

6. Replicating cells is done by positioning the mouse ver the bottom right hand corner of the cell and dragging down or across the spreadsheet

7. Graphs and Charts

   • Allows you to notice patterns and trends easier
   • Specific data can be selected on a spreadsheet and a graph/chart can be created
   • Types of graphs and charts created include bar charts to compare values, pie charts to show a total divided into different categories and line graphs to display trends

8. Cell referencing

   • Relative cell referencing: When a cell is copied by filling down the cell references adjust as you drag the pointer down using the relative address of the cells based on their poisiton
   • Absolute cell referencing: a reference of a cell used in a formula where, when the formula is copied to a new cell reference, the cell reference doesn't change, glued in place by the $

9. Benefits of using spreadsheets: automatic recalculation if you change the data in a cell, accurate calculations using formulae, graphs and charts can be used to display data easier, replication saves time rather then re-typing everything out again, formulae can be reused and stored, calculations involving large numbers are possible

10. What if calculations allow you make and test predictions if data is changed