Question

what is the correct way to use the sum formula in excel to add the values in cells b3 through b8?
= total(b3 + b8)
= total(b3:b8)
= sum(b3 - b8)
= sum(b3:b8)

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze function names

In Excel, the correct function for summing is SUM, not TOTAL. So options with TOTAL (first two options) can be eliminated.

Step2: Analyze cell range notation

In Excel, to denote a range of cells from B3 to B8, we use a colon (:), not a minus (-). So =SUM(B3 - B8) (third option) is incorrect as it would subtract instead of summing a range.

Answer:

=SUM(B3:B8) (the fourth option)