Were complex numbers discovered or invented? A video presentation makes the case for the discovery of square roots of negative one. In order for complex numbers to be real, then they must behave like other numbers, which they do in terms of the ability to split up and to follow algebra rules. 

Concepts

imaginary numbers, complex numbers, square roots, negative numbers

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the ability to split apart square roots of negative numbers to simplify numerical expressions containing square roots of negative numbers
• Have pairs verify that the algebra rules for working with square root of negative one are the same as they are for working with x

Classroom Considerations

• The third video in a nine-part series

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Provides the beginning conceptual understanding for operations with complex numbers
• Short and engaging supplment to a discussion on the history of imaginary numbers

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSN-CN.A.1 HSN-CN.A.2 MP2 MP7