This document discusses using trace arrows in Excel to show students where cell values come from. It uses the example of a times table in cell 7 x 8. By selecting Formula Auditing and then Trace Precedents from the Tools menu, Excel adds blue arrows to show that the number in the cell is calculated from multiplying 7 times 8.

1. Using trace arrows It might be useful to show students where the values in each spreadsheet cell comes from. This example uses a simple times table.

2. First select a cell 7 x 8

3. In Excel 2003 we use the Tools menu at the top and select Formula Auditing and then Trace Precedents. Tools Formula Auditing Trace Precedents

4. Excel adds little blue arrows to show how the number in the cell is calculated.