Spreadsheets and Simulation Software GCSE

Spreadsheets A spreadsheet is a computer program designed to display and process numbers.

Spreadsheets – Different uses WHO USES SPREADSHEETS?

Spreadsheets – Cell Referencing

Spreadsheets – What if…? If a number in one cell is changed, then the value in another cell may also change, if it uses the first number in the calculation. EXAMPLE

Charts

Spreadsheet - Charts

Modelling Modelling is when a computer program attempts to represent a real situation using mathematical equations

Simulation Simulation programs are designed to predict the likely behaviour of a real-life system which is represented as a mathematical model

Modelling - Example Weather forecasting – data is collected and calculations are made to forecast future weather.

Simulation - Example A flight simulator is used to train pilots and consists of full-size cockpits mounted on hydraulic legs.

Flight Simulator http://www.teach-ict.com/news/news_features/modelling_simulation/top_simulator_tests_pilots.html

Flight Simulator – More Examples Rides at theme parks are examples of simulators Another form of simulator is virtual reality

Simulation software - Benefits Safety; mistakes can be made in a simulator Training is not affected by weather conditions Emergency situations/rare situations can be simulated

Simulation software - Benefits

Simulation software - Drawback The simulation is only as good as the rules the computer programmer has used to represent the real life event. Simulations can have their limitations.

Moodle

Absolute cell referencing Absolute cell referencing tells the spreadsheet not to alter the formula as you drag or copy it to another cell. Absolute cell references are represented by the $ sign. EXAMPLE