Difference between revisions of "Imaginary number"
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| − | An '''imaginary number''' in mathematics is any number that | + | An '''imaginary number''' in mathematics is any number that is a multiple the imaginary unit, defined as, <math>i^{2} = -1</math> |
An imaginary number is of the form, <math>k i</math>, where ''k'' is a [[real number]]. | An imaginary number is of the form, <math>k i</math>, where ''k'' is a [[real number]]. | ||
Revision as of 23:05, January 18, 2009
An imaginary number in mathematics is any number that is a multiple the imaginary unit, defined as, <math>i^{2} = -1</math>
An imaginary number is of the form, <math>k i</math>, where k is a real number.
For example <math>\sqrt{-1}</math> has imaginary representation of
- <math>\sqrt{-1}= \pm i</math>.
When a imaginary number is added to real number, they form a complex number. Imaginary numbers are mathematically useful because they fabricate solutions to every polynomial equation - for example, the equation <math>x^2+1=0</math> has no real solution.
The analysis of imaginary numbers forms the basis for the field of mathematics known as complex analysis.