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As Level IT Chapter 8

Spreadsheets can be used to create models and simulations. Formulas use calculations while functions represent complex calculations. Absolute referencing locks cell references when copying. Common functions include SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, INT, ROUND, and DATE/TIME functions. Models represent real-world processes using math analysis for training and forecasting. Simulations use models to predict how systems may behave, like for disaster planning or pilot training. Simulations allow testing without risk but depend on the underlying model.

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75 views3 pages

As Level IT Chapter 8

Spreadsheets can be used to create models and simulations. Formulas use calculations while functions represent complex calculations. Absolute referencing locks cell references when copying. Common functions include SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, INT, ROUND, and DATE/TIME functions. Models represent real-world processes using math analysis for training and forecasting. Simulations use models to predict how systems may behave, like for disaster planning or pilot training. Simulations allow testing without risk but depend on the underlying model.

Uploaded by

Vex Davies Banning
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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AS level IT chapter 8

Spreadsheets

Definitions

Formulae: A formula uses basic arithmetic calculations.

Functions: A function is a ready-made formula representing a complex calculation on both numbers


and text.

Absolute Referencing: This is used when a cell reference shouldn’t change when the
formula/function is copied to other cells. A $ symbol is used.

Functions

SUM Calculates the total of values within a range. =SUM (A1:A10)

AVERAGE Calculates the average of values within a range. =AVERAGE (A1:A10)

MINIMUM Calculates the smallest values within a range. =MIN (A1:A10)

MAXIMUM Calculates the largest value within a range. =MIN (A1:A10)

INTEGER Returns the whole number value of a decimal =INT(A1)


number.

ROUND Rounds a number to the nearest decimal place =ROUND(A1,2)


specified.

ROUNDUP Rounds a number up to the nearest decimal place =ROUNDUP(A1,2)


specified.

ROUNDDOWN Rounds a number down to the nearest decimal =ROUNDDOWN(A1,2)


place specified.

DAY Calculates the day part of a date. =DAY(A1)

MONTH Calculates the month part of a date. =MONTH(A1)

YEAR Calculates the year part of a date. =YEAR(A1)

DATE Calculates the date from a given year, month and =DATE (A1, B1, C1)
day.

HOUR Calculates the hours part of a time. =HOUR(A1)

MINUTE Calculates the minutes part of a time. =MINUTE(A1)

SECOND Calculates the seconds part of a time. =SECOND(A1)

TIME Calculates the time from given hours, minutes and =TIME (A1, B1, C1)
seconds.

NOW Returns the current date and time. =NOW ()

CONCATENAT Joins together text values. =CONCATENATE (A1, B1,


E C1)

LEFT Extracts the furthest left characters. =LEFT(A1,3)

RIGHT Extracts the furthest right characters. =RIGHT(A1,3)

LEN Calculates the length of a string. =LEN(A1)

UPPER Converts text into upper case. =UPPER(A1)

LOWER Converts text into lower case. =LOWER(A1)

VLOOKUP Searches for a value in a table and returns a value =VLOOKUP (A1, B1:C4,
from the same row. FALSE)

HLOOKUP Searches for a value in a table and returns a value =HLOOKUP (A1, B1:C4,
from the same column. FALSE)

IF Executes one function or the other based on the =IF (A1 = 1, “hi”, “bai”)
value of a cell.

COUNTA Counts the number of cells that are not empty in a =COUNTA (A1:A10)
range.

COUNTIF Counts all values within a range that meets a =COUNTA (A1:A10, “Yes”)
certain criterion.

SUMIF Adds up all values within a range that meets a =SUMIF (A1:A10, “>0”)
certain criterion.

AVERAGEIF Calculates an average of all values within a range =AVERAGEIF (A1:A10,


that meets a certain criterion. “>0”)

Modelling
A model is a computer representation of a real-world process, created using mathematical analysis.
Spreadsheets can be used to create computerised models, but custom-written solutions are also
used to model specific purposes. Models are usually used to train people to use equipment and for
forecasting. Training employees using real-world equipment can be costly and dangerous, and
changes should be tested in a model before applying them to the real world.

Simulations
A simulation is the use of a computerised model to predict how a real-life system might behave.
They are also used for training and forecasting. Typical simulations include natural disaster planning,
pilot training, car driving and nuclear science research.

Advantages:
It is not necessary to create expensive prototypes or the real thing in order to experiment with
different variations.

Changes to the model can be made very quickly.

Alternative models and designs can be easily implemented.

Unusual events (e.g., earthquakes) can be tested without needing to wait for them to actually
happen.

Equipment does not suffer from wear and tear and there is no risk of damaging it during testing.

Dangerous simulations can be tested without putting people in danger.

Simulations can be sped up so that the results from slow processes can be obtained quickly.

Disadvantages:
The effectiveness and reliability of a simulation highly depends on the underlying model.

Simulation software and equipment can be very expensive to purchase.

Training is needed to use simulation equipment and software.

Complex models can take years to develop, especially for complicated processes.

It is impossible for a simulation to be a perfect representation of the real-world process.

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