A spreadsheet has many uses. Some of these uses include ...

1. To graph a table of x and y values.

2. To do probability exercises like roling a die or flipping a coin.

3. To do basic statistical calculations like averages and standard deviations on a set of data.

In this exercise we are going to look at the Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden Ratio.

In an Excel spreadsheet we enter the Fibonacci Numbers into column A. This is done by placing a 1 in cell A1 and in A2. In A3 we write the formula =A1+A2 and copy this formula downwards.

In column B, I let Excel calculate the ratio of consecutive numbers in column A. For example, in B1 I write =A2/A1. Then I copy this formula downwards. Conclusion: What we see appearing in column B is the Golden Ratio.

If we change the sequence to something other than the Fibonacci Numbers, like the Lucas Sequence the result remains the same.

To see another way to get to the Golden Ratio by means of an Excel spreadsheet, click here.

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