The IMAGINARY function in Excel is used to extract the imaginary coefficient from a complex number. A complex number is typically expressed in the form `a + bi` or `a + bj`, where `a` is the real part and `b` is the imaginary coefficient.
Here’s how to use the IMAGINARY function:
Syntax
IMAGINARY(inumber)
- inumber: This is the complex number from which you want to extract the imaginary coefficient. This can be entered as a text string like “a+bi” or as a complex number generated by Excel’s complex number functions like `COMPLEX`.
Steps to Use IMAGINARY Function
- Enter Complex Number: Make sure your complex number is in a suitable format, such as “3+4i” or “2-5j”.
- Enter the Function: In the desired cell, type `=IMAGINARY(`.
- Specify the Argument: Enter the cell reference containing the complex number or the complex number itself in quotes. For example: `=IMAGINARY(“3+4i”)`.
- Close the Parenthesis and Press Enter: The formula will return the imaginary coefficient of the complex number. In this example, it will return `4`.
Example
If you have a complex number in cell A1 like “3+4i”, you can extract the imaginary part with:
=IMAGINARY(A1)
This would output `4`, as ‘4’ is the imaginary component of the complex number “3+4i”.
Notes
- If the complex number is not formatted correctly, Excel will return an error.
- Excel understands only `i` and `j` as complex number parts’ designators. Make sure your complex numbers use these.
- If `inumber` is a real number (with no imaginary part), `IMAGINARY` will return `0`.
Using the IMAGINARY function is a simple way to handle complex numbers in Excel where you need to calculate or manipulate the imaginary part separately from the real part.
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