To demonstrate basic spreadsheet design with simple formulas, using Excel.

Recall that a spreadsheet is a tool that allows one to enter data or formulas into cells, and make calculations.  Keeping track of the hours you work at a job is great example.  One can enter data for each day worked, and keep track of the total hours by week or month (see example below).   One could even graph the results to look at the patterns.

This spreadsheet project may be review for most of you, however, I need to evaluate your incoming skill level before moving on. The math is only about grade 5 level, so the focus is on your problem solving skills and ability to enter simple formulas.

Be sure to estimate your answers.  It is very easy to type in a formula that has errors, and the answer is obviously wrong.  I treat this like giving change in a store.  You can NOT be a penny off.  If you cannot figure out a formula, I'd much rather have you ask for assistance than turn in a sheet that has an incorrect answer.

Following are several short multimedia video demonstrations of the skills you will need to learn in this lesson. It is strongly recommended you preview them, as they will assist in providing you the steps on how to build great spread sheets.

• Introduction to spreadsheeting (basic formulas and graphs)
• More on formulas and basic formatting (for dollar signs, colors, alignment, etc.)

• Using Excel, create the following example (fill in the hours of your choice).
  
  
• If you have not already done so, it is recommended you preview the above two short videos on basic spreadsheeting. Many of your questions will probably be answered. If you have a slow internet connection, you may need to be patient while the initial video is loading. etc.)
  
  
• Entering formulas is an essential skill for working with spreadsheets.
  
  
• The following chart will help you with the basics functions of add, subtract, multiply, and divide. In the Example, notice how they all start with an equal (=) sign.
  
  
  
  
• In the example below, notice how column 'A' is a little wider (so that the headings fit better).
  • Simply place your cursor on the vertical bar that sits between the "A" and "B" column heading, and 'drag' it to the right to the desired width.
    
    
• Remember, to begin a formula, simply put the cursor in the cell where you want the answer, hit the equal sign (=), then type your formula.
             example:        in G6 you might type:    =(B6+C6+D6+E6+F6)    <enter>
  
  
• Remember to use parenthesis ( ) when needed.
  • Example:    =B6+B7+B8/3  is NOT the same as  =(B6+B7+B8)/3 
    • the first statment says divide B8 by 3, THEN add B6 + B7
    • the latter says to add everything first, THEN divide by 3)
  • Remember that mathematicians do what is in the parenthesis FIRST.
    

Assessment:   HoursWorked

• Go to Assessments on the left-hand navigation bar and click on HoursWorked
  
• You will be Uploading your word processed document into a folder for your instructor to evaluate.
  
• Be sure to hit the Submit button when done..