Question

= SUM (E2E3) will give an error while using spreadsheet. Identify the error and state the various steps to correct this type of error.

Hint:

The missing separator between E2 and E3 gives the #NULL! error. Name two reasons and state the steps to correct the range reference.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identify the error:
The formula is =SUM (E2E3). The cells E2 and E3 are written together with no separator between them.
As per the official scheme, the error displayed is #NULL!.
It is a typing mistake. A separator was not inserted between E2 and E3. A comma should be used to separate them, as in =SUM (E2,E3).

Step 2: State the reasons:
A #NULL! error can arise for two reasons.
(i) Incorrect range operator is used in the formula.
(ii) The ranges that are referred to do not intersect.

Step 3: Correct reason (i): incorrect range operator:
(a) To refer to a continuous range of cells, use a colon (:) between the first cell and the last cell of the range. Example: =SUM (E2:E3).
(b) To refer to two areas that do not intersect, use the union operator, which is the comma (,). Example: =SUM (E2,E3).

Step 4: Correct reason (ii): ranges do not intersect:
(a) Look at the colour-coded border of the reference. If there are no squares at each corner of the border, the reference is to a named range.
(b) If there are squares at each corner of the border, the reference is not to a named range.

Step 5: Change the reference in the formula:
Double-click the cell that contains the formula. Excel highlights each cell or range with a different colour.
Then do one of the following.
- Drag the colour-coded border to a new cell or range.
- To include more or fewer cells, drag a corner of the border.
- In the formula, select the reference and type a new reference.
Press Enter after the change.

Step 6: Match with the 6 marks:

Part	Content	Marks
Name and cause	#NULL!; separator missing between E2 and E3	1
Two reasons	Incorrect range operator; ranges do not intersect	1
Correct (i)	Colon for continuous range; comma for separate areas	1
Correct (ii)	Check the named range squares; double-click and change border or reference	3

Final Answer:
The error is #NULL!. It is caused by a missing separator or incorrect range operator, or by ranges that do not intersect. It is corrected by using a colon or a comma properly, or by double-clicking the formula cell and changing the references.