Yousuf Khan
Microsoft Excel is a handy software. We use Excel functions for our educational, business, and other daily purposes. We operate the Excel IMABS function for various complex mathematical problems. While dealing with complex numbers, we can find the absolute values easily by implementing this function. With this in mind, we will show you 5 practical examples of how to use the Excel IMABS Function.
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Download this workbook to practice while you are reading this article. It contains all the datasets in different spreadsheets for a clear understanding. Try it yourself while you go through the whole process.
Excel IMABS Function: Summary & Arguments
● Summary:
Excel IMABS function generally returns the absolute value or the modulus of a complex number where the complex number is in x+yj or x+yi format. Mathematically, it represents the equation:
where z = x+yi.
● Syntax:
The syntax of the IMABS function is as follows:
=IMABS(inumber)
● Arguments:
| Argument | Required/Optional | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| inumber | Required | A simple/complex number to calculate the absolute value. |
● Return Value:
It returns the absolute values of the complex numbers.
● Version:
Office 365 ￭ Excel 2019 ￭ Excel 2016 ￭ Excel 2013 ￭ Excel 2011 for Mac ￭ Excel 2010 ￭
Excel 2007 ￭ Excel 2003 ￭ Excel XP ￭ Excel 2000.
5 Practical Examples of Using Excel IMABS Function
Calculating the absolute values of complex numbers can be really cumbersome if we have a large dataset. However, if we supply recognized logical values to the argument, they can return the absolute values quite easily. Furthermore, the IMASBS is also useful for different other cases. We take a dataset representing complex numbers with their real and imaginary numbers to demonstrate. Let’s see some useful examples of the IMABS function in Excel.
1. Insert IMABS Function to Get Simple Numeric Values
In the first example, we have a column that has simple numeric numbers. In another column, we add imaginary Co-Efficient to them. The IMABS function not only returns the absolute values of complex numbers but also calculates for simple numeric numbers. Follow these easy steps to calculate.
Steps:
- First, in cell D5, type the following formula,
=IMABS(C5)- Afterward, press Enter or Tab button to get the absolute value of cell C5.
- Now, drag the formula cell down to AutoFill the rest of the arrays.
- Thus, we get the simple numeric values in the dataset.
🔗 Note:
The integer 6 in cell C9 also represents itself as a complex number equal to 6+0i.
Read More: How to Add Complex Numbers in Excel (With Easy Steps)
2. Calculate Absolute Value of a Complex Number in Quotation
Similarly, we can also obtain the absolute values of complex numbers enclosed in Quotation marks. We can put the real numbers & the imaginary number and encase them in the function arguments with quotation marks. Follow the steps to do so:
Steps:
- Firstly, in cell D5, write the formula given below,
=IMABS("2+3i")- Then, tap Enter or Tab button on your keyboard.
- See the picture below to understand better.
- Similarly, do the same to all the rows one by one.
- Hence, the desired values pop up in the dataset.
Read More: How to Use IMAGINARY Function in Excel (3 Examples)
3. Find Absolute of Complex Numbers Through Cell Reference
Another way to use the IMABS function is to refer to the cells of the complex numbers. Since we have the real numbers and imaginary numbers already in the complex numbers, we can just put the cell index into the IMABS function. As a result, we get the absolute values quite easily. Let’s see some procedures.
Steps:
- To begin with, type the IMABS formula in E5, and click on the cell D5,
=IMABS(D5)- Consequently, we have selected the value 2i into the function.
- Finally, hit Enter button.
- As a result, the desired value appears in cell E5.
- Lastly, AutoFill the rest of the array by dragging the cell down.
Read More: How to Get Complex Number Magnitude in Excel (2 Easy Methods)
4. Display Value Derived from Another Function Using IMABS
In this example, we will calculate the absolute value of a complex number which is derived from the COMPLEX function. This function combines the real and imaginary components together and forms a complex number. As we have two columns with real values and imaginary values, we put them together using the COMPLEX function. Further, we will include the IMABS function to get the absolute value of the complex number. To do so, follow the steps carefully.
Steps:
- First, in cell D5, type the following COMPLEX formula,
=COMPLEX(2,3,"i")- Here, the function adds up the real component 2 & imaginary component 3i and forms 2+3i which is a complex number.
- After that, press Enter key.
- Later, AutoFill the range to get the other complex numbers.
- Again, in cell E5, write the IMABS formula:
=IMABS(D5)- Further, tap Enter or Tab button.
- Thus, the desired values pop up in the dataset.
Read More: How to Convert Complex Numbers to Polar Form in Excel
5. Combine IMABS & IMSUM Functions to Add Multiple Values
In our last example, we will thoroughly combine the IMABS and IMSUM functions to add multiple complex numbers. The IMSUM function sums up two or multiple complex numbers and returns the sum values. After that, we will use the IMABS function to calculate the absolute values of the returned values. Let’s follow these procedures carefully.
Steps:
- To begin with, type the following formula in D5:
=IMABS(IMSUM(B5,C5))- Next, press Enter or Tab button to get a result in D5.
- Later, AutoFill the rest of the array by dragging the cell down.
- Finally, we obtain our values in the dataset.
🔍 How Does the Formula Work?
- IMSUM(B5,C5) adds up the complex number in B5 and C5 and returns the sum value.
- IMABS(IMSUM(B5,C5)) calculates the absolute values of the previously returned values.
Common Errors While Using Excel IMABS Function
| COMMON ERRORS | CASES |
|---|---|
| #NUM! | If the supplied inumbers arguments are not recognized as complex numbers. |
| #VALUE! | If the supplied inumbers are logical values. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have discussed some easy steps on how to use the Excel IMABS function. Not to mention, our ExcelDemy website shows various simple problem-solving methods like this. Please, leave any further queries or recommendations in the comment box below.
