Week 17: Introduction to Functions (SUMA, MIN, MAX, PROMEDIO)
CLASS OBJECTIVE
Learn what a function is, understand its structure (name + parentheses + arguments), and use basic spreadsheet functions such as SUMA(), MIN(), MAX(), and PROMEDIO() to analyze simple data.
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CLASS AGENDA
💬 Introduction
“Have you ever wished your calculator could find the largest number or the average of your grades automatically?
Spreadsheets can do that with just one function.”
1️⃣ Short Review
Students recall:
What is a cell, row, and column
What is a formula (=)
Basic arithmetic operators
2️⃣ Explanation: What Is a Function?
Teacher explains:
A function is a built-in operation in the spreadsheet that performs a calculation automatically.
📌 Structure of a function
=FUNCTION_NAME(argument1, argument2, …)
Examples of arguments:
A single cell → A1
A range → A1:A5
Several ranges → A1:A3, C1:C3
💡 Simple definition for students:
“A function is like a smart formula that does the work for you.”
3️⃣ Explanation of Basic Functions
🔹 SUMA() – Add many numbers quickly
=SUMA(A1:A5)
🔹 MIN() – Find the smallest number
=MIN(B1:B10)
🔹 MAX() – Find the largest number
=MAX(B1:B10)
🔹 PROMEDIO() – Find the average
=PROMEDIO(C1:C5)
The teacher uses a small example table such as grades or prices.
4️⃣ Demonstration
Teacher opens a spreadsheet and shows step by step:
How to select a range
How to insert functions using the fx bar
How the function updates when numbers change
How to read the result correctly
Students observe how SUMA, MIN, MAX, PROMEDIO work in real time.
5️⃣ Activity – “My First Functions Table”
(Mention only)
Students will create a small data table (e.g., 5 grades, 5 prices, 5 scores) and apply each function.
6️⃣ Homework
(Mention only)
Students will complete a spreadsheet requiring the use of all four functions.
7️⃣ Take notes in notebook.
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NOTES IN YOUR NOTEBOOK
Answer these questions:
What is a function in a spreadsheet?
What is an “argument” in a function?
Write an example of a range of cells.
What does the SUMA() function do?
How is PROMEDIO() useful for students?
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KEYWORDS
Function: A built-in calculation that uses arguments.
Argument: The data the function uses (cells or ranges).
Range: A group of cells (example: A1:A5).
SUMA(): Adds many numbers.
MIN(): Finds the smallest value.
MAX(): Finds the largest value.
PROMEDIO(): Calculates an average.
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HOMEWORK
No homework this week.