Final answer:
The correct mixed reference to use in the scenario provided is b) F$1. It maintains the row constant while allowing the column reference to adjust when copied across a row.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about inserting a mixed reference in a cell within a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel. A mixed reference combines absolute and relative references. It locks either the column or the row, allowing the other to change when the formula is copied.
Here are the options broken down:
- a) $F$1: This is an absolute reference. Both column F and row 1 will not change if copied elsewhere.
- b) F$1: This is a mixed reference. The row 1 is fixed, but the column can change if the formula is copied horizontally.
- c) $F1: This is also a mixed reference. The column F is fixed, but the row can change if the formula is copied vertically.
- d) F4: This is a relative reference. Both column and row will change when copied to a different cell.
Based on the instructions given in the question, which doesn't specify which one should be fixed, the row or the column, we typically assume that we want to lock the row if it's a commission rate or a similar single-row reference. Therefore, the correct answer is b) F$1, which locks the row so the commission can calculate correctly when copying across different employees' cells.