Notes on using Grid.xls

This worksheet  is an aid for exploring number patterns on a grid.

A number of GCSE coursework projects such as "Cross Numbers" use this type of idea.

The pattern of highlighted cells can be changed by putting or removing "x" 's in the top right hand grid.

The sliders can be used to move the pattern around the grid and the top slider can be used to change the size of the grid.

The sum of the currently highlighted cells is shown under the middle right hand grid.

The bottom right hand grid shows labels for each of the highlighted cells that can be used to create ones own formula.

Due to restrictions on which letters can be used as named ranges in Excel I could not use a simple a, b, c system so settled on ca, cb, cc etc. Think of it as cell a, cell b, cell c and so on.

The worksheet could be used by the teacher to introduce a coursework task of this type, perhaps using a different pattern to the one set for the students.

If it was felt to be appropriate it could also be used as an investigative tool by students.