Final answer:
A mixed reference in a spreadsheet application like Microsoft Excel refers to a cell with either the column or the row reference fixed, but not both.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mixed reference uses a specific column or row reference but not both. In spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel, a mixed reference can either have the row fixed (e.g., A$1) or the column fixed (e.g., $A1) but not both at the same time. This type of cell reference is particularly useful when you want only part of the cell reference to change when copying a formula to other cells. By using a dollar sign in front of the row number or the column letter, you create a mixed reference, which will only adjust partially when the formula is filled across rows or columns.
An Excel formula uses a specific column or row reference but not both. This type of reference is called a relative reference. In a relative column reference, the letter of the column is fixed while the row number can change. Similarly, in a relative row reference, the row number is fixed while the column letter can change.