In a spreadsheet, cell C4 contains the formula =$A$3 + B2. If this formula is copied to cell C5, and the value in cell A3 is 7, what value appears in cell C5? (In the sheet, cell B3 is empty so B3 evaluates as 0.)

C7 ✓ Correct

D17

Correct answer: (C) 7

Explanation

Copying the formula to C5 keeps the absolute reference to A3 as 7 and changes B2 to B3.

The dollar signs in $A$3 lock that cell so it still refers to A3 holding 7.

The relative part B2 shifts down by one row to become B3 when copied.

Cell B3 is empty and so evaluates as 0.

Adding 7 and 0 gives the result 7 in cell C5.

An absolute reference does not change when a formula is copied.

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