easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
FC0-U71 Practice Question: An administrative assistant is using a…
An administrative assistant is using a spreadsheet application to create a budget report. The assistant needs to add a column that calculates the total of the previous three columns for each row. The assistant is not very experienced with formulas and is unsure how to proceed. The assistant wants to use a built-in function that will automatically sum the values. Which of the following should the assistant do to achieve this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the SUM function with other aggregate functions like COUNT or AVERAGE, or assume manual addition is acceptable, but the question specifically requires a built-in function for automatic summation.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the SUM function in a formula to add the three cells.
The SUM function is the correct built-in function in spreadsheet applications (like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets) to add a range of cells. By using a formula such as =SUM(A2:C2), the assistant can automatically calculate the total of the three columns for each row without manual errors. This directly meets the requirement to sum values efficiently.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Manually type each cell reference separated by plus signs.
Why it's wrong here
Manual entry is possible but not efficient and prone to errors.
- ✗
Use the COUNT function to count the number of cells.
Why it's wrong here
COUNT counts cells, but does not sum values.
- ✗
Use the AVERAGE function to find the average of the values.
Why it's wrong here
AVERAGE calculates the mean, not the total.
- ✓
Use the SUM function in a formula to add the three cells.
Why this is correct
SUM is designed to add numerical values.
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