| ADDING NUMBERS
Next we want to learn how to add numbers. There are several ways
to do this. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
To do this, begin by moving your cursor to cell C9,
and clicking-on it.
Always move to the cell where you want the answer
to be located.
TYPE-IN METHOD
We want to add the three numbers in cells C6, C7 and C8.
To use this method type-in the
following in cell C9:
= C6 + C7 + C8 Tap Enter
The total of these cells will now appear in C9.
When you have completed typing you will see this formula
in the area below the menu bar.
Go change the number in cell C6 to 500 (and tap
Enter). See how the total AUTOMATICALLY recalculates!!!
THIS IS THE TRUE POWER OF THE SPEADSHEET !!!
Whenever a number is entered in a cell the entire spreadsheet
will automatically recalculate.
Something happened here. Notice how you typed in an =
before the cell location. If you had simply typed in C6 + C7 +
C8, Excel would have thought this entry was a word and this
entry would have shown as you typed it.
Try this if you want. Any time you "create" and error
in Excel, you can simply re-type or edit the formula to correct the
error.
The Type in Method is really easy if you have a few
numbers and can see their cell locations on the screen. If you
have a lot of cells in the formula, that are on several screens,
this is not such a great method.
Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division
You can put in - for subtraction, * for multiplication,
and / for division. As you become more capable we'll, build
some nifty formulas.
Point Method
Again move to cell C9 and click-on
it. We'll now add the numbers a second way.
First, tap the = and
POINT the cursor to cell C6 using the arrow
movement keys or mouse, now tap another +
and move cursor to C7, now tap another +
and move the cursor to C8 (Notice how as you "
+ and point " the addition formula is being built in
cell C9), now tap Enter. The same formula is built by
this method.
This method is good when you need to move to numbers
that are spread out all over the place. Some people like it best
and use it all the time -- it's your choice.
Function Method
Move again to cell C9.
Now type in the following: =SUM(
[This tells Excel that we are going to sum some numbers
in a RANGE which will follow the =SUM(.]
There are two ways to put in this range:
Arrow Key and Anchor Method: With the arrow keys move
the cursor to cell C6. As you move you will notice that the cell
where the cursor is located appears after the =SUM(. When you
get to C6 tap the . (Period) Key. This is
called an ANCHOR and holds one end of the RANGE
in place. You will notice that a C6:C6 appears. This is a one
cell range. Now move with the arrow keys to cell C8.
See how cells C6, C7 and C8 are highlighted. This indicates
the Range is C6:C8. Excel assumes, logically, that
these are the numbers you want to add. Now tap Enter.
The numbers still add, but now the formula reads =SUM(C6:C8) instead
of =C6+C7+C8 like it did before.
Mouse Method: Move again to cell C9. Type in =SUM(
, as you did before. Now point to Cell C6. Hold down the
left mouse button and drag the highlight down to cell C8.
(Cells C6, C7 and C8 should be highlighted.) Now tap Enter.
This =SUM Function is a great way to add a lot of
numbers, or a block of numbers. By simply anchoring, and using
page downs or using the mouse, you can highlight lots and lots of
numbers to add quickly. However, since it only sums you can't
do subtraction, etc.
Point to cell C9 again. Tap the Delete key to
remove the formula currently in cell C9.
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