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In [[mathematics]], a '''quaternion''' is a four-dimensional [[object]] important in [[group theory]] and [[geometry]]. As with the complex numbers, the quaternions can be viewed as an extension of the [[real number]] line.  Unlike the complex numbers, however, the quaternions are not a [[field]], since multiplication is not commutative.  Instead, the quaternions are a '''skew field'''

In [[mathematics]], a '''quaternion''' is a four-dimensional [[object]] important in [[group theory]] and [[geometry]]. As with the complex numbers, the quaternions can be viewed as an extension of the [[real number]] line.  Unlike the complex numbers, however, the quaternions are not a [[field]], since multiplication is not commutative.  Instead, the quaternions are a [[skew field]].

Quaternions were invented by [[Irish]] [[mathematician]] William Rowan Hamilton in the 1840s. Quaternions have proved useful in describing the mechanics of [[rotation]].

Quaternions were invented by [[Irish]] [[mathematician]] William Rowan Hamilton in the 1840s. Quaternions have proved useful in describing the mechanics of [[rotation]].