Imaginary number

In mathematics, an imaginary number (or purely imaginary number) is a complex number whose square is a negative real number or zero. The term was coined by René Descartes in 1637 in his La Géométrie and was meant to be derogatory. At the time, such numbers were thought not to exist, much as zero and the negative numbers were sometimes regarded by some as fictitious or useless.

Related Topics:
Mathematics - Complex number - Square - Negative - Zero - René Descartes - La Géométrie

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