Calculating a and b in excel (any excel masters)?

  • Thread starter Thread starter PCSL
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Excel Masters
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The original poster seeks assistance with using Excel to estimate the values of variables a and b, indicating a desire to learn rather than receive direct solutions. The discussion revolves around the application of Excel for mathematical calculations, particularly focusing on summations and statistical concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to enter summations in Excel, with one participant providing a basic method for using the SUM function. There is also a question regarding the interpretation of the sigma symbol in equations, specifically whether it refers to standard deviation or uncertainty.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses difficulty with Excel and a desire for guidance without complete solutions, suggesting a focus on learning the tool rather than simply obtaining answers. The mention of sigma raises questions about statistical terminology that may need clarification.

PCSL
Messages
146
Reaction score
0
Attached is a problem that I am supposed to use excel to find the best estimates of a and b. As I am horrible at excel could someone give me some pointers or an idea how to start? Please don't do it for me, I want to learn how to do it - I just need some help.
 

Attachments

  • Untitled.jpg
    Untitled.jpg
    22.5 KB · Views: 422
Physics news on Phys.org
I guess a simpler question would be how would I go about entering summations in excel.
 
PCSL said:
I guess a simpler question would be how would I go about entering summations in excel.

One way is to select a cell, type "= sum(", then (left click) drag the mouse over the set of cells to be summed (release left click), then finish typing ")". The sum of the contents of the selected cells should then appear in the chosen cell.
 
Thanks for that gneill - can no one help me on the original question? :(
 
Another small question, is the sigma in the equations referring to the standard deviation or uncertainty?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Excel projectile trajectory
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Conservation of Momentum in Dynamic Engineering Systems
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Data transfer from MS Excel to PSPP
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
Undergrad Error bars in Excel (standard deviation, standard error, percentage)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Should Excel macros self-adjust when you delete lines above the affected cells?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
Excel formula for rounding a value & error
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Error in Y-intercept, Least-square+Excel=True?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Unexpected behavior in Excel when sorting
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
What should I do about my academic supervisor?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
How to Combine Gradient Uncertainty with other Uncertainty?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K