Understanding Spreadsheets Cell Data Formulas Operations 1

Cell Data -- is classified according to its intended purpose. 2

Cell Data Classifications Labels — the classification used for cells that contain text or for numbers that will not be used in calculations Examples: John Jones (text) Dates, such as 1/03/2009 (considered as text) Social Security # Phone # ZIP Code (a number, but will not be calculated) Using an apostrophe ‘ Type an apostrophe (‘) before a number to make that entry recognized as a label (the ‘ does not show when you press enter). Example: ‘27613 (Put ‘ so the ZIP Code is recognized as a label or text, not a value, by the computer) 3

Cell Data Classifications Values — the classification indicating that the data has the potential to be used in calculations Example: 150 Cell Alignment for these classifications: Labels align at the left side of the cell Values align at the right side of the cell 4

Data Types Examples Label Value Formula Formula Bar 5

Basic Spreadsheet Formulas All Formulas begin with an equal sign = When the equal sign is keyed in a cell, the software “knows” that the data will be used in a calculation. Formulas instruct the software to perform a calculation. 6

Basic Spreadsheet Formulas Formulas use the following: Addition Division Multiplication Subtraction These Math Operators are used in formulas (performing Math Operations): + for Addition- for Subtraction * for Multiplication/ for Division 7

Basic Spreadsheet Formulas Examples of basic formulas: if using Cells B7 and C7: Addition=B7+C7 Subtraction=B7-C7 Multiplication=B7*C7 Division=B7/C7 8

Order of Operations Calculations are performed according to the Order of Operations. (which means, they calculate in a specific order) To remember the Order Of Operations: remember PEMDAS—Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally P parentheses performs operations on the items enclosed in (parentheses) first E exponentiation^ M multiplication* (from left to right) D division/ A addition+ (from left to right) S subtraction- 9

Order of Operation Example =(A8+C9)/(H8-L9) The parentheses around the first part of the formula force Excel to calculate (A8+C9) first. then calculate (H8-L9), then divide the 2 results. A8 = 10 C9 = 2 H8 = 7 L9 = 1 SOLVE!! =(10+2)/(7-1) =12/6 =2 10

You can see this screen containing formulas by holding the Ctrl key and tapping the ` (tilde/accent) key. Repeat Ctrl + ` to return to the normal Excel screen view. 11