1. Use a tutorial program to examine a spreadsheet application. Use the help tutorial built into your application or one provided by your instructor.

2. Create a small spreadsheet that solves the following problems:

   • Open your spreadsheet software

   • Put your name in cell C1
   • Use a formula to calculate the value of this problem: 3458/1729+4 Put a label next to the cell so you know what it means. DO NOT just write down the answer! Have the formula figure it out!

   • Place the day of the month you were born in a cell underneath the formula. Label this cell as well.

   • Estimate the number of cans of soup you have in your pantry right now. Place that value under the day of the month, and label it.

   • Figure out the total ages of the pets in your family. If you want to use a different cell for each pet, that is fine, but label them clearly.

   • Estimate the amount of time it took you to get to school this morning in minutes. Label this value.

   • Move to another part of the page and figure the sum of all the above values.

   • Write a formula that will multiply together all the values

   • Write a formula that will show the average of all values.

   • It's a little known fact that your lucky number can be derived from these values! The formula is this:

     Take the Birth date, multiply it by the cans of soup squared. Divide this entire quantity by the sum of the age of your pets and time to school. The resulting value is your lucky number.

     Figure it out and put it on the spreadsheet. Use CELL REFERENCES ONLY! Some of the values might change, and you want to be able to re-figure your lucky number.

   • Name the range which contains the first formula (3458...), the birth date, cans of soup, age of pets, and time to school. Call this range something clever like Values. You might need to look for some kind of range naming command.

   • Calculate the average value of the range. Use the range name in the average formula.

   • create some kind of chart demonstrating the values in your range. Look for some type of chart-creation tool.

   • Save and print your spreadsheet.

   One Example:
   

3. Create a spreadsheet to help you track your grades for this class. The actual details may vary, but here are some guidelines you can use if you don't get other instructions from your teacher.

   Get a list of your current grades from your teacher.

   Assume that all lab grades together will be worth 40% of the final score.

   Assume that the midterm will be worth 20 percent of the final score, and that the final exam will be worth another 20 percent.

   Finally, consider your final project the last 20 %.

   NOTE: This is NOT necessarily the grading scheme your class will use. Check with your teacher so you know exactly how your grade will be calculated.

   Write a spreadsheet that allows you to place values in cells and automatically calculates what your final score will be. You should be able to use this with your actual scores for "what if" analysis. EG "If I get 80% on the final, what do I need to get on my final project for an A?".

   Print and save this spreadsheet.

Section: Laboratory Assignment

Contents Discussion Spreadsheet Concepts Putting information in a spreadsheet Things you can do to cells Formulas Copying and Pasting formulas Absolute Addresses: No More Magic Naming Ranges Graphs and Charts Laboratory Assignment Vocabulary Summary