Lesson 4 - Spreadsheets

Applying scenarios to a model

Lesson Objectives

To be able to:

• Consistently apply formula to a spreadsheet
• Use the SUM function to total up columns
• Break down a worded problem and apply the scenario to a model, making use of correct formulae

Starter

1. What are the four operator symbols used for mathematics in spreadsheets?
2. What symbol is used to begin a formula? 
3. In cell C1, how would you add together 7 and 9?
4. How would you divide 3 and 12 in cell C3?

Starter - Answers

1. What are the four operator symbols used for mathematics in spreadsheets?
2. What symbol is used to begin a formula? 
3. In cell C1, how would you add together 7 and 9?
4. How would you divide 12 by 3 in cell C3?

1. + - / *
2. =
3. =A1+B1
4. =A3/B3

What is the Purpose of a Formula?

A spreadsheet is a perfect calculator.

It can work out the answer to a mathematical question quicker than you can even think of the question!

What is the Purpose of a Formula?

If I set up my model below with all the correct formula then it can automatically work out the answers to any of my questions in the future. 

What if I change the quantity of items I need? 

What if the price goes up? 

What if there's a sale? 

What is the Purpose of a Formula?

The purpose of a formula is to make an automated calculation!

SUM(...)

You may have noticed, I used a different function here, instead of adding each individual cell together. 

SUM(...)

Using a SUM function can save you a lot of time writing out formulae. 

=E23+E24+E25+E26+E27+E28+E29+E30+E31+E32

VS.

=SUM(E23:E32)

The colon in between E23 and E32 means, include everything between and including E23 and E32.

SUM(...)

Using a SUM function can save you a lot of time writing out formulae. 

=E23+E24+E25+E26+E27+E28+E29+E30+E31+E32

VS.

=SUM(E23:E32)

Activity: Lesson 4 - Workbook 

Complete the activities in your workbook