This guide will explain how to use the IMLOG10 function in Google Sheets.
When we need to calculate the logarithm of a complex number with base 10, we can easily do this using the IMLOG10 function in Google Sheets.
Table of Contents
The rules for using the IMLOG10 function in Google Sheets are the following:
- The
IMLOG10function only has one required argument. This is the input value of the logarithm function. - The input number can be written as plain numbers. For example, we can input 1 to be interpreted as a real number.
- The input number can be written as quoted text to specify both the real and complex coefficients.
- When we enter complex numbers directly into the formula, we must enclose them in double quotation marks.
Google Sheets has a wide range of built-in functions that let us accurately perform difficult tasks and provide dedicated functions that allow us to calculate the logarithm of a complex number with different bases.
One of these functions is the IMLOG10 function, which we can use to calculate the base-10 logarithm of a complex number.
Moreover, several other functions in Google Sheets work similarly. The IMLOG function can be used for all real number values greater than zero, and the IMLN function can calculate natural logarithms of complex numbers.
In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to use the IMLOG10 function in Google Sheets. Additionally, we will explore the syntax and a real example of using the function.
Great! Let’s dive right in.
The Anatomy of the IMLOG10 Function
The syntax or the way we write the IMLOG10 function is as follows:
=IMLOG10(value)
- = the equal sign is how we activate any function in Google Sheets.
- IMLOG10() is our
IMLOG10function. This function is used to return the logarithm of a complex number with base 10. - value is the only required argument. This refers to the complex number for which we want to calculate the base-10 logarithm. Furthermore, this can be a direct value enclosed in quotation marks, a cell reference, or a result of another formula.
Note: The IMLOG10 function is equivalent to the IMLOG function given base of 10 for all numbers.
Common Mistakes in Using IMLOG10 Function
The IMLOG10 function has a straightforward syntax making it simple to use. However, we still need to be careful when using some things to ensure the function properly works.
Firstly, we must remember that the IMLOG10 function only works with complex numbers. If we try to input a real number, the function will return an error.
Moreover, remember to input the complex number in quotation marks when entering the number directly into the formula to make it a string.
Secondly, we may have entered the complex number in an incorrect format. We must use the format a+bi or a-bi, where a and b are real numbers, and i is the imaginary unit.
Thirdly, the IMLOG10 function will only return a logarithm with base 10. If we want to calculate the logarithm with a different base, we can utilize the IMLOG2 function for base-2 logarithms or the IMLOG function for a specified base logarithm.
Lastly, check the syntax of the formula. Ensure the syntax of the function call is correct, including the proper placement of commas, the use of parentheses, and the quotation marks for the complex number.
A Real Example of Using IMLOG10 Function in Google Sheets
Let’s say we have a data set containing complex numbers. We want to calculate the logarithm of a complex number with base 10. Our initial data set would look like this:
In this example, we want to calculate the base-10 logarithm of the complex numbers in the data set. We can easily complete this task using the IMLOG10 function.
We will use the formula below to perform our task:
=IMLOG10(A2)
The formula only has one required argument to work correctly; the complex number we want to calculate. In this case, we simply selected the cell A2 containing the complex number.
Our final data set would look like this:
We can also directly input our complex number into our IMLOG10 function:
=IMLOG10(“4+5I”)
If we want to input the complex number directly in the formula, we must enclose it in quotation marks to make it a string value. For instance, we will type “4+5i”.
Both formulas would return the same output.
You can make your own copy of the spreadsheet above using the link below.
Amazing! Now we can dive into the steps of using the IMLOG10 function in Google Sheets.
How to Use IMLOG10 Function in Google Sheets
1. First, we will create a new column in the data set to display the base-10 logarithm of the complex numbers.
2. We will select the first empty row to type in our formula. To start, we will type in an equal sign and the function name. Our formula would be “=IMLOG10(”.
3. Then, we will simply select the cell containing the complex number. Our final formula would be “=IMLOG10(A2)”.
4. We will press the Enter key to return the result.
5. Next, we will drag down the Fill Handle tool to copy the formula to the other cells.
And tada! We have successfully used the IMLOG10 function in Google Sheets.
You can apply this guide whenever you need to calculate the base-10 logarithm of a complex number. You can now use the IMLOG10 function and the various other Google Sheets formulas available to create great worksheets that work for you.
FAQs
1. Why did my formula return a #NUM! error?
The IMLOG10 function returns a #NUM! error when the given value argument is invalid. The complex number inputted may not have a lowercase i as their variable for the imaginary coefficient.
For instance, the IMLOG10 function does not consider “5+2x” as a valid complex number, but “5+2i” is valid.
2. What does base-10 logarithm mean?
Logarithm base 10, often represented as “log with base 10,” is a particular kind of logarithm in which the base is 10. This mathematical function enables us to find the exponent required to raise 10 to a certain power, resulting in the given number.
For example, log(100)=2 because 10^2=100
3. What functions can I combine with the IMLOG10 function?
You can combine the IMLOG10 function with the CONCAT function when the real and imaginary parts of your complex numbers are in separate cells.
Additionally, you can utilize the ARRAYFORMULA function to easily calculate the base-10 logarithm of multiple complex numbers and return an array of results.
That’s pretty much it! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about the latest guides and tutorials from us.
