Final answer:
The statement about defining formulas in a data table with cell references preceded by an equal sign is true. In terms of vocabulary, 'suggestion' is the term closest in meaning to 'hypothesis'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is (a) True. In spreadsheet applications, formulas indeed begin with an equal sign and typically involve cell references. This allows calculations to be dynamic, updating automatically as the data in the referenced cells change. For example, if you have values in cells A1 and B1, and you want to sum these values in cell C1, you would enter the formula =A1+B1 into cell C1.
Regarding the closest meaning to hypothesis, the most accurate choice is (d) suggestion. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. It is not as definitive as a fact, law, or conclusion, and it is more specific than a generic formula.
Using tables for identifying known values and determining the equations to use is important for clarity and accuracy in problem-solving, particularly in mathematical and scientific contexts.