Google Data Analytics Professional Certification Practice Test

Which function is NOT directly related to mathematical operations in a spreadsheet?

1. SUM

2. AVERAGE

3. FILTER

4. MAX

The correct answer is: FILTER

The choice that stands out as not being directly related to mathematical operations in a spreadsheet is the function that allows for specific data retrieval based on criteria, rather than performing fundamental calculations. This function, which is not primarily concerned with mathematical computations like addition, averaging, or finding maximum values, is the one that filters data according to specified conditions. The functions that are directly related to mathematical operations, such as adding up values (SUM), calculating the mean (AVERAGE), and determining the largest value in a data set (MAX), all focus on numerical data and produce results that contribute to quantitative analysis. In contrast, the function that handles the extraction or viewing of a subset of data based on defined criteria plays a different role in data analysis, which is crucial for segmenting and organizing data rather than merely calculating numbers. This distinction is key to understanding the functional applications of these spreadsheet tools.