Which of the following components must be part of any formula? (One or more answers are possible - partial credit will be awarded)1 pointA function (e.g. SUM)A mathematical operator, e.g. +.The = signParenthesisBrackets

The = sign is a must in any formula. This is because it tells Excel that what follows is a formula or a function. Without the = sign, Excel will treat the entry as text.

A function (e.g. SUM) is not necessarily required in every formula. Simple formulas may just use mathematical operators and cell references. For example, the formula =A1+A2 is a valid formula without a function.

A mathematical operator, e.g. +, is also not necessarily required in every formula. Some formulas may just use functions. For example, the formula =SUM(A1:A10) is a valid formula without a mathematical operator.

Parenthesis are not necessarily required in every formula. They are used to change the order of operations in a formula. For example, in the formula =(A1+A2)*A3, the operations within the parenthesis are performed first. However, a formula like =A1+A2 does not require parenthesis.

Brackets are not necessarily required in every formula. They are used in array formulas and to specify the intersection of two ranges. However, many formulas do not use brackets.

So, the only component that must be part of any formula is the = sign.