What is the history of imaginary numbers?

Can you tell me about the history of imaginary numbers?

Imaginary numbers have a fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century. They were first introduced by mathematicians like Gerolamo Cardano, who used them in his work on cubic equations.

Why were they called 'imaginary'?

The term 'imaginary' was coined by mathematician René Descartes in the 17th century. He used it to describe numbers that were not real, as they did not correspond to any point on the number line.

How did imaginary numbers become accepted in mathematics?

Over time, mathematicians like Euler and Gauss helped to formalize the concept of imaginary numbers, showing their utility in complex number theory and various applications in engineering and physics.

What are some real-world applications of imaginary numbers?

Imaginary numbers are used in electrical engineering, signal processing, and quantum mechanics, among other fields, to model and solve complex problems.