Complex Spreadsheets – A Practical Approach
Excel 2002
Calculating Percentages
The following information provides the concepts for calculating percentages. RULE: Percentage increases and decreases are always calculated with respect to the value before the change occurred. 1. If the profits of an organisation increase from $320,000 in March to $410,000 in May, what is the percent increase of their profits? Solving the problem: $425,000 – $320,000 = $90,000. The percent profit is $90,000 (divided by the original value $325,000) times 100 (as a percentage of $320,000). The answer is 28%.
Excel syntax
2. In 2002 you purchased a new car for $28,000 and find the same model can now be purchased for $20,000. What is the percentage decrease? Solving the problem: $28,000 - $20,000 = $8000. The percentage decrease is 8000 as a percentage of 28,000. As a fraction this is expressed as 8000 divided by 28,000, multiplied by 100.
Excel syntax
3. You are at the fruit and vegetable markets to make your weekly purchase. There has been a glut of mangoes due to the hot weather and the price has been reduced to $12 per case to sell the mangoes quickly. The normal price is $20 per case. What is the percentage of the discount being offered? Solving the problem: $20 – $12 = $8. Again, the difference of $8 is divided by the cost before the mangoes were discounted.
Excel syntax
Teaching Resources
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Excel 2002
Complex Spreadsheets – A Practical Approach
Template Example 1 — Amortisation
From the task pane choose General Templates | Spreadsheet Solutions | Loan Amortisation. Excel has a variety of in-built temples from which to choose. Choose General Templates from the task pane and open any from the General or Spreadsheet Solution categories. You can also find other templates by choosing Templates from my web sites and from Templates from Microsoft.com.
Figure 1
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Appendix C
Resources
Complex Spreadsheets – A Practical Approach
Excel 2002
Template Example 2 — Expense Statement
From the task pane choose General Templates | Spreadsheet Solutions | Loan Amortisation.
Figure 2
Teaching Resources
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