Final answer:
The error message displayed when using a deleted cell as a function argument in Excel is #REF!, which indicates a broken reference. The correct option is 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you attempt to use a cell that has been deleted as a function argument in a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel, the error message displayed is #REF!. This error indicates the reference to a cell is no longer valid because the cell was deleted or the reference was somehow broken.
In contrast, #N/A signifies that a value is not available, #NAME? suggests a text string is not recognized as a formula or function, and #NPV? is not a standard error message in Excel. Hence, 3 is the correct option.