Chapter 4 - Spreadsheets

Chapter 4 - Spreadsheets

1. MODELLING SOFTWARE

   • Representation of an entity
     • Imitates the real thing
   • Why is Spreadsheet used for modelling?
     • Variables
     • Formulae & Functions
     • Automatic recalculation
     • Graphs
     • Conditional formatting
     • Goal seek
     • What is analysis
   • Characteristics of modelling software
     • views the object in 2D/3D
     • change viewing angle
     • moves and resizes objects
     • add or removes objects
     • applies external factors
   • Variables
     • an identifier associated with a particular cell. Within the cell, there will be a value
   • Rules
     • Define how the model should behave

2. FORMULAE

   • arithmetic calculation
     • plus
     • minus
     • multiply
     • divide

3. FUNCTIONS

   • More complex calculations
   • Represented by reserved words

4. KEY TERMINOLOGY

   • Cell
     • Location on a worksheet to enter data
     • Contains;
       • variable data
       • formula
       • function
   • Row
     • Horizontal set of cells (number ref.)
   • Column
     • Vertical set of cells (letter ref.)
   • Cell references
     • column letter & row number
     • EG: A1
   • Worksheet
   • Workbook

5. +/- of using spread sheets to create and run simultions

   • ADVANTAGES
     • Ability to enter different variables
   • DISADVANTAGES