... , would produce the number -1" (Bunch, 2000, p. 303). The squares of positive and negative numbers always come out positive; therefore there was seemingly no solution to quadratics that resulted in a negative integer. As Engel continues on to state, "Solutions for equations like these can be found, however, if we decide to invent a completely new number whose square is -1; of course, it is ... ...

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• Grade Level: High School