Data analysis

Question 1

Define the terms: cells, rows, columns, sheets, tabs, pages, charts

Answer 1

Cells: individual components that are put together to form a spreadsheet

Rows: horizontal cells

Columns: vertical cells

Sheets: multiple spreadsheets in the same file

Tab: used to display which spreadsheet the user is currently working on

Pages: dividers that break the spreadsheet into different parts

Charts: a tool to communicate data graphically

Question 2

Explain the importance of accurate data entry in spreadsheets

Answer 2

Any error made can cause all the data to be wrong and cause the spreadsheet to stop working, so, caution must be taken to make sure the data is accurate

Question 3

Define the terms: formula, function, absolute reference, relative reference, ranges, named cell, named range, nested formulae/functions

Answer 3

Formula function: An expression that operates on values in a range of cells or a cell

Absolute reference: cells that do not change when it’s moved, copied or filled. This way, the reference points back to the same cell, no matter where it appears in the workbook. It’s indicated by a dollar sign in the column or row coordinate

Relative reference: By default, a cell reference is a relative reference, which means that the reference is relative to the location of the cell

Ranges: A collection of selected cells

Named cell: A name that refers to a single cell

Named range: A name that refers to a selected range

Nested formulae: Using a function as one of the arguments in a formula that uses a function

Question 4

Explain the difference between a formula and a function

Answer 4

A formula starts with an = sign

A function is a predefined name to perform a particular calculation

Question 5

Explain the order in which mathematical operations are performed and use brackets to make sure that formulae work

Answer 5

Excel follows the BODMAS rules of arithmetic to determine the order in which calculations in any given formula are performed

Question 6

Explain the function of, and use, absolute and relative referencing, as appropriate, when formulae are to be replicated

Answer 6

Relative formulae change relative to its position while absolute formulae remain the same despite changes in position

Question 7

Explain the need to test a model before it is used

Answer 7

A model needs to be tested with different values to check if the spreadsheet is performing and giving the expected outcome