The IMLOG function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool for performing logarithmic calculations on complex numbers. It allows users to compute logarithms with a specified base, making it particularly useful in fields such as engineering, mathematics, and data analysis where complex numbers are frequently encountered.
Syntax
IMLOG(complex_number, base)
- complex_number: The complex number for which you want to calculate the logarithm, represented in the form “a + bi”.
- base: The base of the logarithm you wish to use; must be a positive number except for 1.
Example #1
=IMLOG("3 + 4i", 10)
This function calculates the logarithm of the complex number 3 + 4i in base 10. For this specific example, the result would be approximately 0.613 + 0.927i.
Example #2
=IMLOG("1 + 2i", 2)
This computes the logarithm of the complex number 1 + 2i in base 2. The output for this function call would be around 0.568 + 1.107i.
Example #3
=IMLOG("-1 - i", 3)
This function evaluates the logarithm for the complex number -1 – i in base 3. The result would roughly yield -0.682 + 2.356i.
Error handling
- NUM! This error occurs when the specified base is less than or equal to zero or is equal to 1.
- VALUE! This indicates that the complex number is not in the correct format; it should be in the form “a + bi”.