Purchase Solution

Imaginary and irrational numbers

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

This number system is an extension of the real number system. Any polynomial equation has n complex roots, in general, in the complex number system. For example, the equation x2 + 1 = 0 has no real roots, but it has two complex roots given by +I and -I, where I is the "imaginary unit" given by the "square root" of -1. The complex number system is an extension of the real number system, just as the real number system is an extension of the rational numbers (numbers of the form of a ratio of two integers). Would you say that imaginary numbers really "exist"? What about, for that matter, the irrational numbers, which complete the real number system? (The ancient Greeks were surprised to find out that the square root of two is an irrational number, and that not all numbers can be expressed as the ratio of two integers.)

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

This provides answers to the question of the existence of imaginary and irrational numbers.

Solution Preview

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
These questions seem philosophical. We have to know what "exist" means. In general, I would say that all numbers are man made and are defined for our convenience. They are just concepts rather than physical entities although some of them can be useful to describe things in real world.

Would you say that imaginary ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Geometry - Real Life Application Problems

Understanding of how geometry applies to in real-world contexts

Solving quadratic inequalities

This quiz test you on how well you are familiar with solving quadratic inequalities.

Probability Quiz

Some questions on probability

Exponential Expressions

In this quiz, you will have a chance to practice basic terminology of exponential expressions and how to evaluate them.

Know Your Linear Equations

Each question is a choice-summary multiple choice question that will present you with a linear equation and then make 4 statements about that equation. You must determine which of the 4 statements are true (if any) in regards to the equation.