The imaginary number , i.e., the square root of . The imaginary unit is denoted and commonly referred to as "i." Although there are two possible square roots of any number, the square roots of a negative number cannot be distinguished until one of the two is defined as the imaginary unit, at which point and can then be distinguished. Since either choice is possible, there is no ambiguity in defining as "the" square root of . In the Wolfram Language, the imaginary unit is implemented as I.

See also

Complex Number, i, Imaginary Number, Unit

Related Wolfram sites

https://functions.wolfram.com/Constants/I/

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Cite this as:

Weisstein, Eric W. "Imaginary Unit." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/ImaginaryUnit.html

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