Incorporating Excel into our report cards!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 // 9:30 AM
In class, we focused on more formulas in excel. As we have recently received our report cards, we learned today how to calculate our average, the percentage of the average throughout the whole term, and more nifty tricks on how to set reasonable goals and achieve them! This class, we basically focused on how to do algebraic equations, backwards. For example, if we already have an answer, we need to figure out a correct formula to insert into the cell to get that answer. We learned the importance of asking questions rather than looking for just an aswer.
A way we can take advantage of Excel for our marks is to make a vertical column with all the subjects and then put the three terms across on the top horizontally. We then insert what we got for term 1 and place a goal on the further right column that we want to achieve by the end of the year. Using a formula, we take the variable of your goal mark (e.g. 80), multiply it by three, subtract Term 1 variable, and then divide the remaining number by 2 in order to get what you will need for Term 2 so you can reach your goal. REMEMBER TO USE BEDMAS! For the Term 3 mark, just take the goal mark variable, multiply it by 3, subtract the Term 1 & 2 variables which will give you what you need to reach your goal. With these nifty formulas (instead of using actual numbers), you can go back to change your goals, your marks and Excel will automatically do the math for you if you achieved a higher or lower mark than expected, thus giving you what you need to aspire to for Term 2 & 3.
Useful hint*: Using formulas can be quite confusing, which is why if you want to test your formula out, put a dummy row on the bottom and put 3 100's across the terms and if your average for the three is 100, then your formula is correct.
Remember that each cell of Excel is a tiny calculator so be sure to use it to your full advantage! :)
Later, I shall place a screenshot here of my Excel Marks sheet to demonstrate!
So long,
- Serena
Labels: cell, Excel, formula, Marks, Microsoft