Parentheses are not only important in paper math, they are critical in spreadsheets. To make sure that terms are handled properly by spreadsheets, we have to be sure we use parentheses to write our formulas so that there is no ambiguity. Associativity gives us the principle behind this grouping, for we ask which terms do I associate with this other term?
Category: Numeracy
Addition Table
From here on students can go in most any order they choose. They can start with addition or with multiplication. They should imagine themselves on an elevator able to go up or down anytime they want, to find interesting floors to explore. NOTE: The addition table, like the other tables, goes up and to the right to link their patterns with graphing and further work with functions. They thus have a horizontal and a vertical axis that they use to build their rules. The best rules needed to build this table requires the use of “absolute” addressing. Normal or “relative” addresses are patterns that copy from one area of a spreadsheet to another. Absolute or fixed addresses refer to a specific or fixed cells. You can fix an address by column in a rule by putting a $ sign in front of the letter or in a row by putting a $ sign in front of its number. For example: = $J15 or =J$15, or =$J$15.
Addition Patterns
Now that students can build addition tables, they should look for the patterns in them. We introduce them to a variety of things they might want to look for. We also suggest that some students may want to try to make a subtraction table. We have another Lab for making subtraction tables but this can provide some students with an interesting challenge. They should build these two tables side by side to compare their patterns.
Adding
Adding to 10 is but on example of a large number of spreadsheets that could be developed to practice addition. We give students two number lines (number bars) to 10, and have them copy a number from each to build a pattern of all the sums to 10. We suggest you encourage students to extend these number bars and practice sums to 20 and beyond. This spreadsheet gives students practice in copy and paste on spreadsheets.