Evaluate the following statements about named ranges in spreadsheet applications: Are the addresses absolute or relative by default? Are formulas using them easier to create, read, and maintain?

Named ranges in spreadsheet applications (like Excel or Google Sheets) offer several advantages. Let's evaluate each statement:

• The addresses are absolute by default: This is true. When you define a named range (e.g., SalesData refers to A1:B10), that name always refers to the exact same cells, regardless of where you use the name in a formula. This behaves like an absolute cell reference (e.g., $A$1:$B$10).
• The addresses are relative by default: This is false. As explained above, named ranges are absolute by default.
• Formulas using named ranges are easier to create: This can be true in some cases, especially for complex formulas or when referring to the same range multiple times, as it avoids repeated selection or typing of cell references. However, the primary benefit is often readability and maintenance.
• Formulas using named ranges are easier to read and maintain: This is true. Using descriptive names like Quarter1Sales instead of A1:A100 makes formulas much clearer and easier to understand. For maintenance, if the underlying cell range changes, you only need to update the named range definition, not every formula that uses it.

The true statements are:

• The addresses are absolute by default
• Formulas using named ranges are easier to create
• Formulas using named ranges are easier to read and maintain