What term describes an expression that instructs a computer to perform a mathematical operation with numbers?

The term that describes an expression instructing a computer to perform a mathematical operation with numbers is "formula." In computing and spreadsheet applications, a formula consists of values, cell references, operators, and functions that are combined to perform calculations. For instance, a formula might add up a series of numbers or multiply values together.

In this context, a formula is crucial because it directly represents the instruction set that tells the computer how to process and manipulate numerical data to achieve a desired outcome. The use of formulas enables automation of complex calculations without having to manually compute each step, showcasing the efficiency of computational tools.

Understanding formulas is essential in fields that rely on data analysis and numerical interpretation, such as finance, science, and engineering, as they form the backbone of computational operations. Other options like formatting, functions, and hierarchy relate to different aspects of data handling, but they do not encapsulate the direct concept of a mathematical operation as the term "formula" does.