If you want to subtract the value in cell B1 from A1, which formula is correct?

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Study for the Key Stage 3 Spreadsheet Modelling Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question offers hints and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for success!

To subtract the value in cell B1 from A1 in a spreadsheet, the formula must be written in a specific manner that the spreadsheet software can interpret correctly. The correct format begins with an equals sign, which indicates to the software that what follows is a formula. The formula then uses the subtraction operator, which is the hyphen (-), to perform the arithmetic operation between the two specified cells.

In this case, using "=A1-B1" correctly references the contents of A1 and B1, and the hyphen signifies a subtraction operation. This formula will yield the result of A1 minus B1 when entered into a cell.

The other choices do not conform to the proper syntax for a formula in a spreadsheet context. For example, simply writing "A1 - B1" lacks the equals sign at the beginning, which is necessary to activate the formula functionality. The option using "SUBTRACT(A1,B1)" appears to resemble a function format, but is not valid since spreadsheet programs like Excel do not include a dedicated "SUBTRACT" function. Similarly, the phrase "=A1 MINUS B1" incorrectly uses the word "MINUS" instead of the required operator. Using operators correctly is essential for the formula to compute accurately

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