Question

Which out of these is the correct option to move the formula to a new cell in spreadsheet?

• A. Ctrl+X
• B. Ctrl+C
• C. Ctrl+V
• D. Ctrl+Alt+X

Hint:

To move a formula without letting relative references automatically shift or break, always use Ctrl+X (Cut) and then Ctrl+V (Paste). Do not use Copy-Paste unless you want the cell coordinates in the formula to update relative to the new location.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Distinguishing between “Move” and “Copy” in Spreadsheet Engines:
To relocate a mathematical formula from one coordinate cell to another, spreadsheet engines (like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets) behave differently depending on the action taken:

• Copying (Ctrl+C followed by Ctrl+V): Duplicates the formula in the target cell. If the formula contains relative cell references (e.g., =A1+B1), these references will automatically shift in the target cell relative to its new coordinates (e.g., changing to =A2+B2 if moved one row down).
• Moving (Ctrl+X followed by Ctrl+V): Physically cuts and transfers the formula from its original cell to the target cell. Crucially, the spreadsheet engine preserves the exact original cell references within the formula, ensuring its mathematical behavior remains identical to its original state.

Step 2: Analyzing the Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Ctrl+X is the universal shortcut for the Cut command, which prepares the selected cell and its exact reference structure to be moved.
• Ctrl+C is the shortcut for Copy.
• Ctrl+V is the shortcut for Paste, which completes the relocation initiated by either Cut or Copy.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Since the question asks how to move a formula, the process is initiated by cutting, which is performed using shortcut (A) {Ctrl+X.