Help with SUMIFS w/o using mathematical signs--only cell references

Our HW assignment has data in A4:F33. I have already created SUMIF, SUMIFS, AVERAGEIF in the assignment. The bonus question reads, "Create a SUMIFS formula that can perform the same calculation as the formula created in (previous step), but has ONLY cell references (no numbers or mathematical signs like >)

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

There is a SALARY amount that goes into cell A42 and the test goes into cell B42 (This will be salaries > $60,000) (The data is already in columns for salaries/years.)
There is the NUMBER OF YEARS that go into cell C42 and the test in cell D42 (This will be > or = 10)

If created properly, you should be able to put any salary amount, number of years and any tests in cells A42, B42, C42, and D42 to compute the correct sum of employee salaries meeting those criteria.

I am a 40 y/o college student who needs to catch a break. I have been searching for answers for this for over an hour! I sure do appreciate anyone who can help.

If you could, upload your workbook, highlight the cell with the formula in the previous step, and enter the expected result of a new formula.

- Moo

Thank you Moo

The Word Doc has the instructions for what I am attempting to do.

My apologies dredwolf, I have not used a forum since they became popular in the 90's!!! It took a long time for my original post to 'post' that it went to a blank screen and I hit the refresh, which apparently caused the second post.

This is the first Excel issue I have had while learning. I considered uploading the WB originally, but didn't see right away how to go about do that. By the time Moo asked, I figured it out.

Baby steps, right?

Thank you Moo--Again, I apologize for posting twice. I used the refresh when I I thought my post had timed out before posting!

Moo--I will give your solution a try...Thank you so much for your help!!!

It worked perfectly! And I actually understand how and why! Thanks again.

When I go to "My Posts" at the top I only see this thread? Please mention on my other thread that I am not being rude....just new and confused! I am sorry