SOLUTION: what does an imaginery number mean?? like in the equation (3+2i)+(5-4i). i dont understand the purpose of the "i".

Algebra ->  Complex Numbers Imaginary Numbers Solvers and Lesson -> SOLUTION: what does an imaginery number mean?? like in the equation (3+2i)+(5-4i). i dont understand the purpose of the "i".       Log On


   

Question 344327: what does an imaginery number mean?? like in the equation (3+2i)+(5-4i). i dont understand the purpose of the "i".
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
i was invented for equations like this x%5E2%2B1=0.
Since real numbers square can only take positive values, then no real number can solve that equation.
Complex numbers were created just for that reason.
In this case, if x=i=sqrt%28-1%29 I know that,
x%5E2=-1 so then x%5E2%2B1=-1%2B1=0.