John P. Crotty
Objectives:
1. To find the arithmetic mean.
2. To format a number.
3. To examine absolute cell addresses.
Directions:
1. Move to the following cell and create a left-aligned label.
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2. The mean is probably the most familiar measure of central tendency. In everyday life, the mean is referred to as the average. To find the mean of Pam’s field goals, divide the sum of the field goals by the number of games.
Move the cursor to C26.
Press + to get into Value Mode.
Move the cursor to C25 to get the sum of the baskets.
Press / to divide.
Move the cursor to E30 for the number of games.
Press [ENTER] to enter the formula.
3. Let’s make the number’s appearance more understandable.
Press / to bring up the Main Menu.
Select Range.
Select Format.
Select Fixed.
1-2-3 offers 2 as the suggested number of decimal places.
Type 1 to override 1-2-3’s prompt.
Press [ENTER]
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4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 in cells D26 and E26 to find the mean of Pam’s foul shots and points.
If you use the Copy command to copy the formula from C26 to D26 and E26, you will not get the right answer the way the formula is currently set up. Remember, 1-2-3 copies an address as a relative address. In this case, take the cell above me and divide it by the cell located 4 below and 2 to the right.
The formula that we used at C26 won’t work at D26. We’ll slide right past E30. We always want to divide by E30. When you always want the same cell, you want an absolute address. To make a cell absolute,type a $ before the letter and another $ the number of the cell.
If you wish to use the Copy command, write the original formula as +C25/$E$30
Notice that Copy also copies the cell’s format.
5. When you have completed entering the formulas, resave the file.
