What is the correct syntax for the SUM formula?

The correct syntax for the SUM formula is to use an equals sign followed by the function name and the range of cells to be summed enclosed in parentheses. In this case, the choice that uses the format =SUM(A1:A10) accurately represents this structure.

The equals sign is essential as it indicates to the spreadsheet that the following text is a formula rather than just a string of text. The function name “SUM” specifies what operation is to be performed, which is to add up the values contained in the specified range of cells.

The range A1:A10 is correct because it designates all the cells from A1 through A10, inclusive. This range specification is critical for performing the sum across multiple cells efficiently.

Using a comma, as seen in the alternative choice that lists A1 and A10, suggests that only those two specific cells would be summed, which is not the intended action for a continuous range. Similarly, the option that uses "A1 to A10" does not conform to the required syntax for defining a range in spreadsheet formulas, and the option that omits the equals sign altogether fails to establish that it is a formula, rendering it invalid for execution. Therefore, the structure and syntax in =SUM(A