Final Answer:
The function that can automatically return the value in a cell is the AVERAGE function.The correct option is 2) AVERAGE.
Step-by-step explanation:
The **AVERAGE** function calculates the arithmetic mean of a range of numbers, providing a straightforward way to obtain the average value in a set of cells. To understand how this works, consider a dataset in cells A1 to A5, representing different values. The formula for the average would be written as:
![\[ \bar{X} = (\sum_(i=1)^(5) A_i)/(5) \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/mathematics/high-school/e0ubr8oqs3yptu3ape6cr5qgujop92wc17.png)
In this formula, \(\bar{X}\) denotes the average, and \(A_i\) represents each individual value in the range. The numerator, \(\sum_{i=1}^{5} A_i\), adds up all the values in the specified range. Dividing this sum by the count of values (in this case, 5) gives the average. Therefore, the AVERAGE function automates this process, eliminating the need for manual calculations.
Unlike other functions such as SUM, MAX, or MIN, which respectively provide the sum, maximum, or minimum value of a range, the AVERAGE function focuses on delivering the mean. This is particularly useful when dealing with datasets where obtaining the average is a common requirement.
By using the AVERAGE function, users can efficiently retrieve this statistical measure without the need for complex manual computations, enhancing the simplicity and accuracy of data analysis in spreadsheet applications.calculations.
The correct option is 2) AVERAGE.