How to use the IMSUB Function in Excel

In this article, we will learn about how to use the IMSUB function in Excel.

COMPLEX number (inumber) in excel derived for mathematical number having real and imaginary coefficients. In mathematics we call it the coefficient of i or j (iota).

i = (-1)^1/2

Square root of negative number is not possible, so for calculation purpose, -1is named as imaginary and call it iota (i or j). For calculation of some term like shown below.

A = 2 + (-25)^1/2

A = 2 + (-1 * 25)^1/2

A = 2 + (-1 * 5 * 5)^1/2

A = 2 + 5 * (-1)^1/2

X + iY = 2 + 5i

This here equation is a Complex number (inumber) having 2 different parts called real part & imaginary part
The coefficient of iota (i) which is 5 is called as imaginary part and the other part 2 is called the real part of the complex number.

Complex number (inumber) is written in the X + iY format.
Complex SUBTRACTION of a complex number ( X1 + iY1 ) & ( X2 + iY2 ) is given by

( X1 + iY1 ) - ( X2 + iY2 ) = ( X1 - X2 ) + i ( Y1 - Y2)

Here X & Y are the coefficients of the real & imaginary part of the complex number (inumber).

The IMSUB function returns the SUBTRACTION of the complex number (inumber) having both real & imaginary part.
Syntax:

=IMSUB (inumber1 , inumber2)

inumber 1 : First complex number to be subtracted from.
inumber 2 : Second complex number to be subtracted from the first complex number.

Let’s understand this function using it in an example.
001
Here we have values where we need to get the complex SUBTRACTION of the input complex number (inumber)

Use the formula:

=IMSUB (A2, B2)

A2 : inumber 1 ( complex number ) provided as cell reference.
A2 : inumber 2 (complex number) provided as cell reference.
002
As you can see the complex number performing the subtraction operation.
Mathematical formulation is performed like shown below.

5 + i - ( 4 - i ) = (5 - 4) + ( i + i )= 1 + 2i

Now copy the formula to the other remaining cells using Ctrl + D shortcut key.
003
As you can see the IMSUB function formula giving results just fine.
Note :

The formula returns the #NUM! error if the complex number doesn’t have lower case i or j (iota).
The formula returns the #VALUE! Error if the complex number doesn’t have correct complex number format.

Hope you understood how to use IMSUB function and referring cell in Excel. Explore more articles on Excel mathematical functions here. Please feel free to state your query or feedback for the above article.

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