In spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel, from where can you apply the Merge Cells option to combine selected cells into one?

Introduction / Context:
This question comes from everyday use of spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel. Users often need to merge two or more adjacent cells into a single larger cell, for example to create a heading that spans several columns. The Merge Cells or Merge and Center feature can be accessed from more than one place in the Excel interface. Exam questions test whether you know these access points, which reflects practical familiarity with the software rather than only theoretical knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The software in mind is a typical spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel.
• The task is to apply the Merge Cells option to combine selected cells.
• Options mention the Format Cells dialog box Alignment tab and the Formatting toolbar or ribbon.
• We assume a standard Excel interface with both dialog boxes and toolbar or ribbon commands.

Concept / Approach:
Excel provides multiple ways to reach the same formatting command. For merging cells, one method is through the Format Cells dialog box under the Alignment tab, where you can check the Merge cells option along with alignment settings. Another, more commonly used method is through the Formatting toolbar in older versions or the Home tab ribbon buttons in newer versions, where a Merge and Center button is directly visible. Because the feature is accessible from both places, the correct answer must acknowledge that the Merge Cells option can be applied using either the Alignment tab in the dialog or the Formatting toolbar or ribbon.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
If you open Excel and select a group of cells, you can verify this behaviour directly. On the Home tab, the alignment group typically includes a Merge and Center dropdown that also offers Merge Across and Merge Cells. Using these options merges the selected cells. Alternatively, if you right click and choose Format Cells and then go to the Alignment tab, you will find a Merge cells check box that performs the same function when you click OK. Multiple Excel tutorials and help articles mention these two methods as standard ways to merge cells, confirming that both locations are valid sources for the command.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• From the Format Cells dialog box, Alignment tab: This is partly correct but incomplete because the toolbar or ribbon also provides the feature.
• From the Formatting toolbar or ribbon: Also partly correct but does not mention the dialog box, so it is not the best answer.
• From neither the dialog box nor the toolbar: Incorrect because both are real and commonly used access points.
• Only from the print preview window: Print preview is for inspecting output and does not provide the main merge command.

Common Pitfalls:
Students who are familiar only with one method may choose a half correct answer. For example, users trained on newer Excel versions might remember only the ribbon button and forget about the Format Cells dialog, while those taught using menu based versions might recall the Alignment tab but not the toolbar shortcut. Exam questions often include the both of the above option to test whether you recognise multiple correct paths. To avoid mistakes, review both menu and toolbar routes for common formatting commands such as merging cells, wrapping text and changing alignment.

Final Answer:
The Merge Cells option in spreadsheet software can be applied from both the Alignment tab in the Format Cells dialog box and the Formatting toolbar or ribbon.