Self-review: Creating an executive data summary :Preparing Data for Analysis with Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate) Answers 2025

Question 1

You need to freeze the screen so that columns A–F and row 1 remain visible while scrolling.
Which option should you select from Freeze Panes?

❌ Freeze Top Row
❌ Freeze First Column
✅ Freeze Panes

Explanation:
To freeze both rows and columns, you must select a cell below row 1 and to the right of column F and then choose Freeze Panes.
The other options freeze only a single row or column.

Question 2

Formula in B12:

Before copying the formula to B13 and B14, which references need $ signs?

❌ K2:K103 only
❌ R2:R103 only
✅ K2:K103 and R2:R103

Explanation:
Both the criteria range and the sum range must stay fixed when copying the formula.
So, both ranges need absolute references ($K$2:$K$103 and $R$2:$R$103).

Question 3

You calculated the percentage difference between 2022 Q1 sales and 2023 Q1 sales.
Which formula logic is correct?

✅ (2023 total − 2022 total) / 2022 total
❌ (2022 total − 2023 total) / 2022 total
❌ (2023 total − 2022 total) / 2023 total

Explanation:
Percentage change is always calculated as:

New Value − Old ValueOld Value\frac{\text{New Value − Old Value}}{\text{Old Value}}Old ValueNew Value − Old Value​

Question 4

You used SUMIF in cell C12 to calculate January 2023 sales, then copied it to C13 and C14.
What result appeared in cell C14?

❌ $164,740
❌ $145,535
✅ $143,555

Explanation:
After copying the formula down, Excel correctly adjusted the criteria to calculate the next month’s total.
The final calculated value in C14 was $143,555.

Question 5

You want to center headings across tables using Merge & Center.
Where should you type the heading before clicking Merge & Center?

❌ On the right edge of the cell range
✅ On the left edge of the cell range
❌ In the middle of the cell range

Explanation:
Excel keeps the content from the leftmost cell when merging cells.
Always type the heading in the left edge cell.

🧾 Summary Table