IM Alg1.1.8 Lesson: Spreadsheet Shortcuts

• In cell B4, we want to enter = B1 * 5 to multiply the month by 5. Enter this, but when you are about to type B1, instead, click on cell B1. This shortcut can be used any time: click on a cell instead of typing its address.

• Practice this technique as you program each cell in B5 through B10 to perform the right computation.
• When you are finished, does cell B10 show a number that contains the month and day of your birthday? If not, troubleshoot your computations.

• Try changing the month and day in cells B1 and B2. The rest of the computations should automatically update. If not, troubleshoot your computations.

Why does this trick work? Try using  for the month and or the day, and writing the entire computation as an algebraic expression. Can you see why the resulting number contains the month and day?

• Use spreadsheet calculations to continue the patterns in columns A and B, down to row 5. Pause for discussion.

• Click on cell A5. See the tiny blue square in the bottom right corner of the cell? Click it and drag it down for several cells and let go.
• Repeat this, starting with cell B5.