Today you will
- finish your problem-solving spreadsheet
- write a short explanation of how it answers your question
- save both files in {{code:sm3/}} for your Key Assignment
Every answer on your sheet must work itself out with a formula.
Warm-up
Open {{code:Project_Portfolio/09_specialism/sm3/}} and find {{code:sm3_problem_statement}}. What is your question, in one sentence? If you can't find it, write a new sentence about a real number question from your project.
A problem-first spreadsheet is built to answer one clear question.
Inputs are the numbers you can change, like the price or the number sold.
A live formula works out the answer again every time an input changes.
Your explanation says which features you used and why.
Aoife's question was: "Will I make a profit if I sell 50 cases at €12 each, with materials at €4.50 per case and fixed costs of €80?" Her sheet shows those inputs, live formulas and one highlighted answer.
Now you will finish {{code:sm3_ka1_problem_solver}}, your problem-solving spreadsheet for Key Assignment 1. Watch your teacher first, then follow the steps in the box below and tick each one.
Common issues
- My answer does not change. You typed a number, so delete it and type a formula like {{formula:=B10-B12}}.
- I see {{code:#DIV/0!}}. A cell you divide by is blank or zero, so give it a real number.
- My explanation has no reasons. Write each point as "I used X because Y".
Independent Practice
- In {{code:sm3/}}, make a new document called {{code:sm3_ka1_explanation}}. In Word, name it {{code:sm3_ka1_explanation.docx}}.
- Type the four headings from the box below.
- Under each heading, write a few plain sentences about your own project.
- For features, write one line for each: I used X because Y. Start with labels, currency format, formulas and fill colour.
- Tidy your spreadsheet so the question and the answer are easy to spot.
1. The problem
2. How the spreadsheet answers it
3. Features I used and why
4. What a reader should do next
- My spreadsheet answer changes when I change an input.
- The question and the highlighted answer are easy to find.
- My explanation covers all four headings, with a reason for each feature.
- Both files are saved in {{code:sm3/}} with the right names.
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