What is the purpose of using the CONCATENATE function in Excel?

The CONCATENATE function in Excel is designed specifically to combine text from multiple cells into one single cell. This function allows users to take different strings of text, whether they come from separate cells or are directly typed into the formula, and join them together into one cohesive piece of text.

For example, if you have the first name in one cell and the last name in another, using CONCATENATE will allow you to create a full name in a third cell. This is particularly useful for creating labels, formatting data for reports, or simply organizing information in a way that improves readability and structure.

The other choices focus on different functionalities that the CONCATENATE function does not perform. Merging columns, splitting text, or formatting numbers are tasks that require different functions or tools within Excel. The primary role of CONCATENATE remains the joining of text strings, making option B the most accurate description of its purpose.