Year 7 Interactive Maths - Second Edition

Spreadsheet Applications

Task 1

Divide $225 in the ratio of 2 : 3.

Solution:

Spreadsheets are quite effective in performing routine calculations.  One application is the use of spreadsheets to divide a quantity in a given ratio.

If a quantity Q is divided in the ratio of a : b, then:

For this task, proceed as follows:

Open a new spreadsheet.  Then type the labels and enter the data as shown in Sheet 1 of the following Excel spreadsheet.

To divide $225 in the ratio of 2 : 3, key in 2 in B4 and 3 in C4.

Then to calculate the First part, enter the formula =A4*B4/(B4+C4) in D4 and to calculate the Second part, enter the formula =A4*C4/(B4+C4) in E4.

A hint for the following tasks:

To divide $343 in the ratio of 3 : 4, $455 in the ratio of 6 : 7 and $4305 in the ratio of 7 : 8, copy the formulas in columns D4 and E4 to row 7.

Task 2

Use the spreadsheet to divide:

a.  $343 in the ratio of 3 : 4.
b.  $455 in the ratio of 6 : 7.
c.  $4305 in the ratio of 7 : 8.

Save the file and print a copy.

Task 3

a.  Set up a new spreadsheet to divide a quantity Q in the ratio of a : b : c.
b.  Use the spreadsheet to divide 100 kg in the ratio of 1 : 2 : 3.
c.  Use a spreadsheet to divide 96 km in the ratio of 1 : 2 : 5.
d.  Use a spreadsheet to divide $100 000 in the ratio of 2 : 3 : 5.

Save the file and print a copy.