Simple Calculations: Adding and Subtracting

Learning Objectives Identify cells in a spreadsheet by their address (e.g., A1, B2). Use the equals sign (=) to correctly start a formula. Write a simple addition formula using cell references (e.g., =A1+B1). Write a simple subtraction formula using cell references (e.g., =C2-D2). Enter numbers into cells to represent data for a problem. Explain that a spreadsheet can automatically do math for them. Ever wonder how many toys you have in total, or how many are left after you give some away? 🧸 Let's make the computer do the counting for us! We're going to learn how to turn our spreadsheet into a super calculator! You'll teach it how to add and subtract numbers all by itself. This is a computer science superpower for organizing your data. Real-World Applicatio...

TermDefinitionExample CellA single box in a spreadsheet grid where you can type information.The box at the very top left corner is called cell A1. Cell AddressThe name of a cell, made from its column letter and row number.B3 is the address for the cell in column B and row 3. DataInformation we put into cells, like numbers or words.Putting the number 10 in cell A1 is entering data. FormulaA special instruction that tells the spreadsheet to do a calculation for you.=5+3 is a formula that tells the computer to add 5 and 3. Equals Sign (=)The special symbol that always starts a formula and tells the spreadsheet to get ready for math.You must always type = first to do a calculation, like =A1+A2. OperatorA symbol that tells the computer what kind of math to do.The plus sign (+) is the operator...

The Equals Sign Rule All formulas must start with an equals sign (=). To tell the spreadsheet you want it to calculate something, you must always type = first in the cell. If you forget it, the spreadsheet will just think you're typing regular words or numbers. The Addition Formula = [cell address] + [cell address] Use the plus sign (+) to add two numbers together. You can add the numbers that are inside two different cells by using their cell addresses. The Subtraction Formula = [cell address] - [cell address] Use the minus sign (-) to subtract one number from another. Just like with adding, you use the cell addresses to tell the computer which numbers to use.