Module 1.2
Task 5- The Sum Function


A.M.D.G.

In mathematics, SUM means adding together a set of numbers.

The mathematical symbol for sum is In Excel this is the AutoSum tool, , that automatically adds all the values in a row or column.
  • Open Module 1.2
  • Enter the following information on a new worksheet
 
A
B
C
D
E
1
 Traffic Survey - 8/8/02    
2
  Private Cars
104
      
3
 Buses
10
      
4
 Lorries
27
      
5
 Taxis
3
      
6
 Motorbikes
5
      
7
 Bicycles
9
      
8
 TOTAL        
  • Select the cell where the answer goes (B8)
  • Click on the AutoSum button and press enter
  • This should leave the formula =sum(b2:b7)
  • Save this spreadsheet

Answer the following questions in your jotter.

1. Write a formula using the SUM function to add up the values in cells A5 to D5.

2. Write a formula using the SUM function to find the total of all the values in cells B2 to B10.

3. Amend the formula in question 2 to calculate the average of the values in cells B2 to B10.

 

Important!!!

You have to be careful when wrting a sum function. For example..

=sum(a1+a2+a3)

=sum (a1-a3)

These are all wrong because you cannot use any
maths symbols (+ - / *) inside the brackets with sum.

=(a1:a3)

This is wrong as the word sum is missing

 

 

The correct formula is =sum(a1:a3)