Basic Formulas and Functions Lessons 1-4
Define the following operators +, -, *, and /.
+ is for addition - is for subtraction * is for multiplication / is for division
Describe the three parts of a function.
- Equal sign: The equal sign must be the first character in the cell. It tells the spreadsheet a calculation is to be performed. - Function name: Indicates the operation to be performed, such as sum. - Argument: Contains the information you want to use in the function's calculation. arguments can refer to both individual cells and cells ranges. Depending on the function, it can include one argument or multiple arguments.
Describe the three parts of a formula.
- equal sign: must be the first character in the cell. It tells the spreadsheet a calculation is to be performed - operand: values or data used in the formula's calculation - operator: indicates the type of calculation to be done
Describe two ways to edit a formula.
1. Double-click on the cell and edit the formula in the cell. 2. Select the cell and edit the formula in the Formula Bar.
Describe two ways to enter a formula in a spreadsheet.
1. Enter the formula directly in the cell. 2. Select the cell and enter the formula in the Formula Bar.
What are proper order of operations?
1. Parentheses 2. Exponents 3. Multiplication and division, working from left to right. 4. Addition and subtraction, working from left to right.
Describe the two ways you can enter cell references into a formula.
1. Typing the cell references as you enter the formula. 2. Pointing and clicking on the cell (Point-and-click method).
Complex Formula
A formula that contains more than one type of operator
Simple Formula
A formula that only contains one type of operator
Function
A predefined formula that performs a calculation based on values that are entered in the function.
Cell Reference
A way to point to a cell location on the spreadsheet.
Sum
Adds all the values in a range of cells
How can you force a certain order of operations in a formula?
By using parentheses.
Average
Calculates the average of the values in a range of cells by summing the cells and dividing by the number of cells used to find the sum.
Explain how the color coding of cell references in a formula works, and why it is useful.
Colors are used to highlight the cell references in the formula and the referenced cell in the spreadsheet. The color coding of cell references *provides an easy way to see what cells in the spreadsheet are being used in the formula.*
Arguments
Contains the information you want to use in the function's calculation. ______ can refer to both individual cells and cells ranges. Depending on the function, it can include one ______ or multiple ______.
Count
Counts the cells with numerical values in a range of cells.
Order of Operations
Determines which parts of a complex formula to calculate first.
Max
Finds the largest value included in a range of cells.
Min
Finds the smallest value included in a range of cells.
Why do formulas make spreadsheets more powerful?
Formulas allow you to calculate additional information that helps analyze already existing data
Function name
Indicates the operation to be performed, such as sum.
A cell in a spreadsheet contains a formula. How can you see the formula in the cell?
Select the cell to see the formula in the Formula Bar.
What is the benefit of entering or editing a formula using the Formula Bar?
The Formula Bar allows you to see more of the formula.
Equal sign
The equal sign must be the first character in the cell. It tells the spreadsheet a calculation is to be performed.
Formula
an equation that is entered in a cell