| MadSci Network: Other |
Imaginary numbers are part of what are now called complex numbers. Their "existence" arose as people searched for solutions to quadratic and higher order polynomial equations. Despite their name they are as "real" as any other number (which is to say not very) and have numerous scientific and engineering uses. See more here. Or go here, AltaVista and enter this search string:
+"imaginary numbers" +"history of mathematics" +quadratic
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Other.