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When cell D4 containing the formula =$A4-B$5 is copied to cell E2, the formula in cell E2 is ________.

A) =$A4-B$5
B) =B4-C5
C) =$A2-C$5
D) =$A2-B$3

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The correct formula in cell E2 after copying the formula =$A4-B$5 from cell D4 is: =$A2-C$5.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you copy a cell with a formula in Excel, the references in the formula will change according to the type of cell reference it is - relative or absolute. In the formula =$A4-B$5, $A represents an absolute column reference which doesn't change when the formula is copied, and 4 is a relative row reference, which does change. The $5 part is an absolute reference to row 5, which also will not change when copied. When this formula is copied from cell D4 to cell E2, we keep the A column reference, but the row number changes relative to the new location (from 4 down to 2). And the B part changes column reference from B to C since it was a relative reference. Therefore, the correct formula in cell E2 is: =$A2-C$5.

User Ignat Loskutov
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