The shortcut Ctrl+X executes the "Cut" command in Excel. This action removes the content and formatting of the selected cell(s) and places it on the clipboard. While the primary shortcut to open the "Delete" dialog box (which removes the cell itself and shifts adjacent cells) is Ctrl+- (Control and the minus sign), this option is not provided. Among the given choices, the "Cut" command is the only one that involves removing the cell's contents from its original location, making it the best fit for the question's intent.

A. Ctrl+C: This is the shortcut for "Copy." It duplicates the cell's content to the clipboard without altering the original cell.

B. Ctrl+Z: This is the shortcut for "Undo." It reverses the last action performed and is not a primary deletion command.

C. Ctrl+D: This is the shortcut for "Fill Down." It copies the content and format from the top cell of a selected range into the cells below it.

1. Microsoft Corporation. (n.d.). Keyboard shortcuts in Excel. Microsoft Support. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/keyboard-shortcuts-in-excel-1798d9d5-842a-42b8-9c99-9b7213f0040f.

Reference Point: In the "Frequently used shortcuts" section

the documentation explicitly states: Ctrl+X is used to "Cut the selected cells." It also lists Ctrl+C for "Copy

" Ctrl+Z for "Undo

" and Ctrl+D to "Use the Fill Down command."

2. University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Excel: Keyboard Shortcuts. Software Training for Students.

Reference Point: The courseware document lists common editing shortcuts

identifying Ctrl + X as "Cut

" Ctrl + C as "Copy

" and Ctrl + Z as "Undo

" confirming their distinct functions from deletion.