The formula =C3+C4+C5 has been copied from cell C7 to cell E7. What will the formula bar display when the cell selector is in cell E7?

Correct option is A

When a formula like =C3+C4+C5 is copied relative to a different location, Excel uses relative cell referencing by default.

The original formula is in C7, which references 3 rows above: C3, C4, C5. That means it uses relative references like:

• C7 - 4 = C3
• C7 - 3 = C4
• C7 - 2 = C5
• When we copy it to E7, Excel maintains the same relative position from the new cell:
• E7 - 4 = E3
• E7 - 3 = E4
• E7 - 2 = E5

So, the updated formula becomes:

=E3+E4+E5

Important Key Points:

1. Excel uses relative referencing unless absolute references (like $C$3) are specified.
2. Copying a formula shifts all referenced cells proportionally based on the new location.
3. Formula updates column and row references independently during copy-paste.

Knowledge Booster:

• E4+E5+E6: This would be correct if the original formula was in C6, not C7.
• C7+D7+E7: Invalid — the original formula doesn’t refer to current row.
• C3+C4+C5: Would only appear if absolute cell references were used or if it was not copied, just re-entered manually.