Activity 1 Familiarization with MS Excel Objectives:
1. To be able to learn how to make mathematical models in excel spread sheet 2. To be able to learn how to use excel in complicated numerical problems 3. To become familiar with the basic operation commands on excel prior to iteration Discussion: Mathematical Model
A mathematical model is defined as the formulation or equation that expresses the essential feature of a physical system or process in mathematical terms. In a very general sense, it can be represented as a functional relationship of the form: Dependent Variable = f (independent (independent variables, parameters, forcing functions) Where the dependent variable is a characteristic that usually reflects the behaviour or state of the system; the independent variables are usually dimensions such as time and space, along which the system’s behaviour is being determined; the parameters are reflective of the system’s proper ties or
composition; and the forcing functions are eternal influences acting upon the system. The actual mathematical expression can range from a simple algebraic relationship to large complicated sets of differential equations. This equation has several characteristics that are typical of mathematical models of the physical world: 1. It describes a natural process or system in mathematical terms. 2. It represents an i dealization and simplification of reality. 3. It yields reproducible results that can be used for predictive purposes. Procedure:
1. Turn on and log in to your terminals 2. Click on MS Excel and prepare an excel worksheet for a class record similar to the mathematical model computation of a course: a. 40% Final Exam b. 30% Long Examination (3 long exami nations) c.
25% Quizzes (2 quizzes)
d. 5% Class Participation 3. Provide columns devoted for the names, program and year, additional points, class participation, quizzes, long exams and final exam for 10 students.
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4. Program the excel worksheet to automatically compute for the final grade of the student and generate. The basic computation of the final grade represents a mathematical model of a system. Note the different functions are seen on the Formulas tab under the Function Library Group. 5. Include additional summarized information in the class record like number and percentage of students having the following grades on the grading scale system. 6. Copy the program to each student to repeat the process. 7. Fill out the sample class record in the preliminary data sheet. (table 1.1) 8. Compute for the different summary of measures needed using Excel by selecting the functions under the category of “statistical” (i.e. average, median, standard deviation, kurtosis, etc.)
9. Show the corresponding descriptive statistics of the class record and input them on table 1.2. 10. Show the corresponding descriptive statistics of the class record (Final Average and Final Grade) using the different graphs found in the Insert tab under Charts group. 11. Save your work using a specified file name give n by your instructor on your “Documents”
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Questions and Problems:
1. In doing the class record, what mathematical model equation best represents the system for computing the final grade?
2. What function command us used in transmuting the final average into the final grade? Show its syntax format.
3. In showing the corresponding descriptive statistics of the class record using the different summary of measures, what functions and their respective syntax were applied?
4. In showing the corresponding descriptive statistics of the class record using the different graphs, what function was used?
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Preliminary Data Sheet
Activity 1: Familiarization with MS Excel Name: Course-Section: Date: Terminal No.
