C Using Spreadsheets

Basic Functions:

Simple (and more complex) arithmetic can be performed in Excel, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. There are a few ways in which these operations can be performed.

Operations between two cells can be performed by simply typing “=” into a blank cell, and selecting an initial cell. Then, type in an appropriate mathematical symbol (+, -, *, and /). Afterwards, click on the second cell. For example, if we were to calculate the addition between cells A1 and A2, you would see “=A1+A2” in the blank cell where you had begun to input your calculation. The benefit of this coordinate-based calculation system is that you can copy a formula and paste it in multiple places and Excel will intuitively make the calculation using the right coordinates (but do check to make sure).

Operations across multiple cells can be performed as well, which can include the sum of many cells, taking the average of multiple cells, as well as many other operations. The two listed example functions are =SUM( ) and =AVERAGE( ) respectively. These functions are used simply by typing the formula into a blank cell, leaving the bracket open, highlighting the cells you wish to calculate, and then closing the bracket.

Here are a few links on using Excel formulas:

Making graphs (charts) in Excel:

A variety of graphs can be constructed in Excel depending on your needs. This is done by clicking on the Insert tab, highlighting your data, and clicking on the graph you wish to represent your data. A link below shows a more in depth tutorial on how to create a variety of graphs:

Excel graphs

IF/THEN Functions:

IF/THEN functions are very useful in Excel, and are used for one of the questions in your Weather lab. This function allows you to make comparisons between your selected values and expected values. Essentially, an IF/THEN function takes on the form:

IF(x is true, then do y, otherwise do z)

IF/THEN functions can also be nested, allowing multiple functions to exist within one another to allow for more comparisons to be made. The links below provide more detailed explanation on using IF/THEN functions: