Question

Explain the term 'cell referencing' in an electronic spreadsheet.

Hint:

Remember: Cell reference = Cell address used in formulas (e.g., A1, B2). Types: Relative, Absolute, Mixed.

Answer 1

Concept: In an electronic spreadsheet (like MS Excel), each cell has a unique address. Cell referencing means identifying and using this address to refer to a cell in formulas or functions. Definition: Cell referencing is the method of referring to a particular cell or range of cells by using its address (such as A1, B5, etc.) in a spreadsheet. Purpose of cell referencing:

To use values from one cell in another cell
To create formulas and calculations
To avoid repeated data entry
To update results automatically when data changes
Example: If cell A1 contains 10 and B1 contains 20, then: \[ \text{Formula in C1: } = A1 + B1 \] Here, A1 and B1 are cell references. Types of cell referencing:

Relative Reference (A1): Changes automatically when copied.
Absolute Reference (\$A\$1): Remains fixed when copied.
Mixed Reference (\$A1 or A\$1): Partially fixed.
Conclusion: Cell referencing allows efficient data manipulation and dynamic calculations in spreadsheets by linking values between cells.