Chapter 2 Background Mathematical Material

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Using Spreadsheets

From Visicalc^™, to Lotus 1-2-3^™, to Excel^™, spreadsheets have provided powerful what-if capability to the personal computer user. Using a combination of numbers, labels, and formulas the user is able try out various equations and mathematical scenarios. The results of these calculations can be linked to graphical output in various forms of charts or graphs. The spreadsheet program, Excel^™ is available for a number of platforms including the Macintosh^™ and Windows^™ operating systems.

A new spreadsheet document provides a sheet of cells. The user can enter either numbers, labels, or functions into each cell. Cells are designated by letter and number. For example, Cell 'A1' in the top left corner contains the text 'Chapter II'. Cells A8:A16 contain the numbers 0 through 8. Cell B8 could be completed by entering the formula '=($B$3/$B$5)*EXP(-$B$4*A8)' which calculates Cp at time = 0.

Cells with formulas can be copied (down for example) and thus values for Cp at other times can be quickly calculated. Notice the use of '$' to designate absolute cell references. When copied down these references stay the same and refer to the same cell, e.g. B3 = Dose. The reference A8 however is relative and changes for each cell to refer to the relative time in the 'A' column.

Once the formulas are entered changes to parameter values will be quickly reflected by new values in the appropriate cells.

A simple spreadsheet illustrating these and other spreadsheet facilities is illustrated in Figure 2.5.1.

Spreadsheet page with equations and graph

Figure 2.5.1 Example Excel^tm Spreadsheet

Click on the figure to download the Excel^tm Spreadsheet.
With your browser set in the Helper section with .xls of type
application/vnd.ms-excel this file will open in Excel^™ ( ;-) maybe)

If you have a problem downloading this Excel^™ file it may help to download the file to your hard drive and open it manually with Excel^™. Notice the equation in the formula bar.

Excel^™ will be used to illustrate a number of calculations. Each "cell" of the spreadsheet may contain a number or a formula. Changes in the numbers are quickly reflected in calculation cells. Check out the on-line help or User Manuals for more information.

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