Module # 4.4.1.4

Create a formula using a formula indicator symbol, cell references, and operations symbols (+-*/)
Understand order of operations as it relates to writing a spreadsheet formula (PEMDAS)

Getting there

Several things to know before you go on. 
Every formula (or function) starts with an = 
Multiplication is  *
Division is   /
Cells are referenced by column and row name, for example  A2
There are two types of references; relative and absolute
        Relative references point to a cell based on directions such as "go right two columns and down two rows"  These references point at different locations from the original cell when copied and pasted into a different cell.  These references look like  A2
        Absolute references point to a cell by name.   These references point to the same cell no matter where they are pasted.   These references look like  $A$2

Pretend you would like to total the student fees.  The first step would be to click in cell E2.  Now you should tell the computer that you will enter a formula by typing =    Now you must reference the cells that contain the numbers you will be adding together.  Type B2, then type a +, now C2, then +, and finally D2.  Now press enter.  The data bar should now read
=B2+C2+D2
The cell should show 77.

A couple of other issues.  Notice we used RELATIVE REFERENCES.
Also, this is a good time to mention the order of operations.  First come the functions, then exponents, followed by multiplication, division, addition, and finally subtraction.  You can alter this order by using parenthesis.  Often it is referred to as PEMDAS.

Exercise #1

Copy and paste the formula from E2 to E3.  Look at the results. Now edit the formula in cell E2 to be
=$B$2+$C$2+$D$2
press enter, then copy and paste this formula into cell E3.  Look at the answer.