Spreadsheets and Modelling

Biscuit Model

Learning Objectives:

• to learn how spreadsheets can be used to model real life situations;
• to learn how models enable us to investigate situations without actually having to do them .

Task 1: An investigation using the model

1. How much would 500 biscuits cost .
2. What would the butter for 750 biscuits cost?.
3. You have £10.  How many biscuits can you make? 
4. What type of information is in each these cells- answer 'data', 'formula' or 'label':

    

   Cell	Data	Formula	Label
   B5
   B6
   F5
   E11
   F10
   D3

1. What cells are added together in F14?
2. Write down a formula that you could put into F14
3. Imagine that you want to find the total cost of producing the biscuits.  What information do you think is missing from the model?

Extension/Homework

1. As the number of biscuits increases, the quantity of most ingredients also increases with it.  This is not the case for all ingredients.  

Which behave differently or why? 

Hint: Change the number of biscuits made gradually until you see a pattern emerge.

2. Are you interested in the biscuits?  If you fancy, making some yourself, you can see the recipe here: