Final answer:
To create an absolute reference in Excel on Mac, use the $ sign before the column letter and row number. This keeps the cell constant when copying formulas.
Step-by-step explanation:
To create an absolute reference in Excel on Mac, you need to use the dollar sign ($) before the column letter and row number. For example, if you want to lock the cell A1, you would write it as $A$1. The dollar sign before the column letter makes it an absolute column reference, and the dollar sign before the row number makes it an absolute row reference.
Using an absolute reference is useful when you want to keep a specific cell constant while copying a formula to other cells. It ensures that the reference to that cell does not change as you drag or copy the formula.
For example, if you have a formula in cell B1 that references cell A1 ($A$1), when you copy this formula to cell B2, the reference will still be $A$1 instead of changing to $A$2.