Imaginary number: Difference between revisions
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imported>Michael Hardy (I've changed the initial definition.) |
imported>Michael Hardy (Added a caveat.) |
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In mathematics, an '''imaginary number''' is a [[complex number]] whose [[real number|real]] part is zero. A complex number is said to be real if the imaginary part is 0, and in all other cases it is non-real. Sometimes such complex numbers are called "pure imaginary numbers" to distinguish them from other complex numbers that are not real. | In mathematics, an '''imaginary number''' is a [[complex number]] whose [[real number|real]] part is zero. A complex number is said to be real if the imaginary part is 0, and in all other cases it is non-real. Sometimes such complex numbers are called "pure imaginary numbers" to distinguish them from other complex numbers that are not real. | ||
The terms ''real'' and ''imaginary'' are misnomers; they should not be taken literally. | |||
For more information, see '''[[Complex number]]'''. | For more information, see '''[[Complex number]]'''. | ||
Revision as of 14:32, 16 April 2007
In mathematics, an imaginary number is a complex number whose real part is zero. A complex number is said to be real if the imaginary part is 0, and in all other cases it is non-real. Sometimes such complex numbers are called "pure imaginary numbers" to distinguish them from other complex numbers that are not real.
The terms real and imaginary are misnomers; they should not be taken literally.
For more information, see Complex number.