Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets

1. Main parts

   • Labels
     • Labels are the headings explaining the data
   • Formulas
     • =A1+B1 ADDS UP  both cells of A1 and B1 =A2-B2 SUBTRACTS B2 from A2 =A3*B3 MULTIPLIES A3 by B3 =A4/B3 DIVIDES A4 by B4
     • Formulas are automatic calculations
   • Data
     • Data is the text or numbers you type in

2. Formulae/functions

   • Functions are more advanced calculations that the spreadsheet can do.
   • =MIN(A1:E1)
   • =IF(A1>49,"Pass","Fail")
   • =AVERAGE(A1:E1)
   • =SUM(A1:E1)
   • =MAX(A1:E1)

3. Formatting techniques

   • Coloured borders, or lines, can be added to the edge of each cell.
   • Cells can be formatted according to their data type, eg cells with money can automatically have a pound sign (£) placed at the front by assigning a currency data type.
   • Cells can be merged or combined together
   • The font can be changed like the font style, colours, bold or italics
   • The background fill tool can change the colour of the cells

4. Relative/absolute

   • Relative
     • If we need
   • Absolute
     • When you replicate a formula down a spreadsheet , the cells in the formula will change depending on what row the formula is in

5. Benefits

   • Easier than calculator, pen and paper and more efficient
   • When data changes, formulas automatically recalculate
   • Computers do not make mathematical errors like humans but GIGO still applies
   • Charts and graphs can be produced and customizes very easily
   • You can change information in a spreadsheet model to make and test predictions like what IF investigations