Imaginary numbers
The origin of imaginary numbers dates back to the ancient Greeks. Although, at
one time they believed that all numbers were rational numbers. Through the years
mathematicians would not accept the fact that equations could have solutions that were
less than zero. Those type of numbers are what we refer to today as negative numbers.
Unfortunately, because of the lack of knowledge of negative numbers, many equations
over the centuries seemed to be unsolvable. So, from the new found knowledge of
negative numbers mathematicians discovered imaginary numbers.
Around 1545 Girolamo Cardano, an Italian mathematician, solved what seemed to
be an impossible cubic equation. By solving this equation he attributed to the acceptance
of imaginary numbers. Imaginary numbers were known by the early mathematicians in
such forms as the simple equation used today x = +/- ^-1. However, they were seen as
useless. By 1572 Rafael Bombeli showed in his dissertation Algebra, that roots of
To solve for certain types of equations such as, the square root of a negative
number ( ^-5), a new number needed to be invented. They called this number i. The
square of i is -1. These early mathematicians learned that multiplying positive and
negative numbers by i a new set of numbers can be formed. These numbers were then
called imaginary numbers.
They were called this, because mathematicians still were
unsure of the legitimacy. So, for lack of a better word they temporarily called them
imaginary. Over the centuries the letter i was still used in equations therefore, the name
stuck. The original positive and negative numbers were then aptly named real numbers.
An imaginary number is a number that can be shown as a real number times i.
Real numbers are all positive numbers, negative numbers and zero. The square of any
imaginary number is a negative number, except for zero. The most accepted use of
imaginary numbers is to represent the roots of a polynomial equation (the adding and
subtracting of many variables) in one variable. Imaginary numbers belong to the complex
number system.
All numbers of the equation a + bi, where a and b are real numbers are a
Imaginary numbers are used in a variety of fields and holds many uses. Without
imaginary numbers you wouldnt be able to listen to the radio or talk on your cellular
phone. These type of devices work by receiving and transmitting radio waves. Capacitors
and inductors are used to make circuits that are used to make radio waves. In order to
determine the right values of capacitors and inductors to use in the circuits, designers
Another use of imaginary and complex numbers is in physics, quantum mechanics
to be exact. In quantum mechanics a big problem is to find the position of a particle.
Unfortunately, only the probability distribution of its position is possible to find. The
only way to calculate this is to use imaginary and complex variables.
Lastly, electrical engineers use imaginary numbers. However, instead of using i
in their equations they use j. This is because in the equations they commonly use, i
means current, so to represent imaginary numbers they use j.
There are four of the most common numbers that we, the common person, know
about and can understand why they exist. At one point or another you might have used
one of these four concepts in your math classes. The first concept are Natural Numbers,
which are abstract numbers that answer questions, like how many. They are able to
describe sizes and sets. The second concept are Integers, they describe the relative sizes
between two sets.
They answer questions, like how many more does A have than B?
Rational numbers are what describes ratios and fractions. For example you might tell
Karen that you ate 3/4 of an apple pie. This will let Karen know you ate three quarters out
of a four quarter pie. A real number is a number that will describe a measurement like
weight, length and fluid. However, in none of the four concept can you see the square
root of -1 fall into place. There exist a fifth concept which is referred to as a complex
number. As mentioned earlier a complex number equation = a+bi. It is a real number with
Quadratic Formula and Imaginary numbers
Throughout our lifetime, teachers have informed students that negative numbers
cannot be squared. With imaginary numbers we are able to do so. With a very simple
example it can be shown how this is true. With an equation like y = x^2+ 4x+29, we can
get the x intercept by using the quadratic equation. By following all appropriate steps you
will find out where the x intercepts are at. Roots are all places that a graph will touch the
x intercept. The quadratic equation = -b+- square root of b^2-4(a)(c)/ 2(a). Therefore,
-4+- square root of 16-116
The answer -2 +-5i, lets you know that it is a complex root, meaning that it does
not touch the x intercept. By graphing the equation y=x^2+4x+29, you will see the
parabolas location. This parabola will not touch the x intercept. This table will show you
Complex Root and Complex Conjugate Root
This is an ongoing cycle that will help you solve problems that deal with i^n
power. Another amazing technique you can use is when you are given a complex root and
the complex conjugate root and you need to derive the equation by the root given and
complex root. A complex conjugate root is that exact opposite of a complex root. For
example if you are given one complex root of 2-5i, and you are asked to find the equation
you simply multiply 2-5i by the conjugate root of 2+5i. By using foil method you will
elimination will give you
a negative times a negative equals a positive
You then add the complex root (2-5i) with its complex conjugate root (2+5i).
This will let you know that your equation is y=x^2+4x+29 and you are
able to graph and see how and where the complex roots are located on the graph.
Making An imaginary Number A Real Number
You can multiply, add, divide , subtract and even take the square root of a
negative number. Like mentioned in the History of Imaginary Numbers, negative
numbers were not believed to be a valid answer. However, we know that a negative
number does have meaning and is a valid answer. A negative number will let us
determine many different things. We see them in our check books, when graphing, and
even when finding the expected number of a roulette game.
Complex numbers can be
added to show you how they can become real numbers. For example:
The answer is a real number that we obtained after adding it to imaginary numbers. You
can refer to the imaginary number cycle. It is known that i^4=1, nine is then multiplied by
1 to get a positive nine. Weather you get a negative or positive number they are real
Imaginary numbers are in fact very real. They have common uses and very
intricate uses. Little does the average person know the imaginary number is one of the
oldest and greatest discoveries ever found.
Bibliography:
Bibliography
Dr. Anthony, Ask Dr. Math The Math Forum, 1994-2001.
http://forum.swarthmore.edu/dr.math/faq/faq.imag.num.html
(2001-March-15).
Mathews, John. Howell. Complex Analysis, 2000.
www.ecs.fullerton.edu/mathews/c2000/c01/Links/c01_lnk_3.html
(2001-March-15).
Nahin, Paul. (1998). An Imaginary Tale. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
Ross, Kelley. Ph.D.. Imaginary Numbers, 2000.
www.friesian.com/imagine.htm
(2001-April-4).
Snyder, Bill. Personal Interview. 20 April. 2001.
Spencer, Philip. Do Imaginary Numbers Really Exhist? University of Toronto
Mathematics Network, 1997.
www.math.toronto.edu/mathnet/answers/imaginary.html
(2001-April-4)
