Final answer:
The functions xlsread() and xlswrite() in MATLAB do not require the Excel file to be in the current directory, cannot access password-protected files, require the file to be in a supported format, and cannot write to files open in Excel in read-only mode.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functions xlsread() and xlswrite() are used in MATLAB to interact with Excel files. Specifically, xlsread() reads data from an Excel file, and xlswrite() writes data to an Excel file. However, these functions are limited in terms of functionality with password-protected or open files.
To answer the student's question directly:
- a. The Excel file does not need to be in the current working directory; it can be accessed via a full or relative path.
- b. Neither xlsread() nor xlswrite() can work with Excel files that are password-protected without bypassing the protection first.
- c. The Excel file must be in a supported format (.xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, etc.) that MATLAB can recognize and handle.
- d. If the Excel file is open in Excel in read-only mode, MATLAB may not be able to write to it using xlswrite().
The correct choice in the context of the provided options and typical usage of xlsread() and xlswrite() functions in MATLAB is thus option a, as MATLAB is able to access files outside the current working directory by specifying the appropriate path, and the file should be neither password-protected nor improperly formatted nor should it be open in read-only mode.