What is the formula for addition in spreadsheet software?

The formula for addition in spreadsheet software is represented by the SUM function, which is used to calculate the total of a set of numbers in the specified range. In this case, using the syntax =SUM(A1:B1) effectively adds together the values contained in cells A1 and B1. This function is designed specifically for summation, making it the most straightforward and recognized method for performing addition in spreadsheets.

Other options present different mathematical operations that do not pertain to addition. The MULTIPLY function does not exist in standard spreadsheet software; instead, multiplication is usually represented by the asterisk (*) symbol. The AVERAGE function calculates the mean of the specified range, and the DIVIDE function, like MULTIPLY, is not a standard function; division is also represented by the slash (/) symbol. Thus, the SUM function is unique in its purpose of directly summing values, clearly establishing it as the formula for addition in spreadsheet applications.