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Question

In MS-EXCEL, Cell B9 contains the value 3, and B10 contains the value 6. You select both the cells and drag the fill handle down to B13. The contents of the cell B11, B12, and B13 will be ________

The correct answer is

9, 12, 15

Understanding MS-EXCEL Fill Handle with Number Series

The question describes a common task in MS-EXCEL involving the fill handle. When you select two cells containing numerical values and drag the fill handle, Excel attempts to identify a pattern or series based on the difference between those two initial values.

Analyzing the MS-EXCEL Scenario

We are given the following setup:

  • Cell B9 contains the value: 3
  • Cell B10 contains the value: 6

These two cells (B9 and B10) are selected, and the fill handle is dragged down to cell B13. Excel will look at the relationship between the values in B9 and B10 to determine how to extend the series.

Calculating the Pattern in the MS-EXCEL Series

To find the pattern, Excel calculates the difference between the second selected cell (B10) and the first selected cell (B9).

Difference = Value in B10 - Value in B9

Difference = \(6 - 3 = 3\)

This difference of 3 indicates that Excel will create an arithmetic series, adding 3 to the previous value for each subsequent cell filled.

Determining Cell Contents Using MS-EXCEL Fill Handle

Now, let's determine the contents of cells B11, B12, and B13 by extending this series:

  • Cell B11: This cell comes after B10. We add the difference (3) to the value in B10.
    Value in B11 = Value in B10 + Difference
    Value in B11 = \(6 + 3 = 9\)
  • Cell B12: This cell comes after B11. We add the difference (3) to the value in B11.
    Value in B12 = Value in B11 + Difference
    Value in B12 = \(9 + 3 = 12\)
  • Cell B13: This cell comes after B12. We add the difference (3) to the value in B12.
    Value in B13 = Value in B12 + Difference
    Value in B13 = \(12 + 3 = 15\)

Summary of MS-EXCEL Cell Values

After dragging the fill handle from B10 down to B13, the cells will contain the following values:

Cell Initial Value / Calculated Value
B9 3
B10 6
B11 9
B12 12
B13 15

Therefore, the contents of the cell B11, B12, and B13 will be 9, 12, and 15 respectively.

Revision Table: MS-EXCEL Fill Handle Concepts

Feature Description Behavior with Numbers (2 cells selected)
Fill Handle The small square at the bottom-right corner of a selected cell or range. Recognizes arithmetic progression, extends series based on the difference between the two selected values.
AutoFill The functionality triggered by dragging the fill handle. Automatically fills cells with a series based on the detected pattern.
Arithmetic Series A sequence where the difference between consecutive terms is constant. This is the default pattern Excel identifies when two number cells are used with the fill handle.

Additional Information: Exploring MS-EXCEL AutoFill

The MS-EXCEL fill handle is a powerful tool for automating data entry and creating series. Beyond arithmetic series from numbers, it can also:

  • Extend simple lists (e.g., Day 1, Day 2, Day 3).
  • Fill days of the week (Monday, Tuesday...).
  • Fill months of the year (January, February...).
  • Copy formulas while adjusting cell references (relative references).
  • Copy formatting only or values only using the Auto Fill Options button that appears after dragging.
  • Create custom lists that can be filled automatically.

Understanding how Excel interprets the initial selection is key to using the fill handle effectively. Two number cells define an arithmetic step, while one number cell or specific text patterns trigger different behaviors.

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