IT: TOPIC 10

IT: TOPIC 10

1. A spredsheet application such as excel can store all its data in a single file.

2. Cells

   • A cell reference always starts with a letter and ends with a number
   • A range of cells is asset of cells in arrow or column
   • Data is entered into a cell can be different data types
   • Each cell can contain: labels, data, formulas
   • A label is any text in a cell descrining the data in arrow or a column
     • Data is any value that is entered into to work out a calculation
     • Formulas and functions are mathematical calculations that are carried out automatically

3. Formulas

   • □ Must start with an =
   • □ Formulas perform calculations on cell contents.
   • the 4 main mathematical operations:  + Add  - Subtract  * Multiply  / Divide
   • □ The result of a formula is automatically recalculated every time the data on a spreadsheet changes.

4. Cell Referencing

   • Relative Cell References
     • If a formula is copied by filling down, the cell references are adjusted as you drag the replication pointer down th page
   • Absolute Cell References
     • These use the $ character in front of the letter and number that are required to stay the same. Think of it as the $ as glue.

5. Benefits of a spreadsheet

   • Automatic recalculation
     • Every time the content of a cell is changed, calculations are performed and other cells are updated if necessary
   • Accurate calculations
     • Proving the formulas are set up correctly
   • Graphs/Charts
     • Can be drawn using data in selected cells
   • Replication
     • Once the first formula is correctly entered, it is possible to drag across the adjacent cells in a row or column so the computer copies the pattern of the calculations