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Re: IMAGINARY NUMBERS



For a better idea of how and why complex numbers result in the solution
to real problems, check out the following:

"When Is a Problem Finished", Blakeslee and Walkiewicz, The Physics Teacher,
Oct. Vol.29, p. 464 (1991)

"Real, Imaginary, and Complex Numbers: Where Does the Physics Hide?",
Newburgh, The Physics Teacher, Jan. Vol.34, p. 23 (1996)

"Physical Meaning of Complex Numbers", Burko, The Physics Teacher, May,
Vol.34, p.260 (1996)

"More on Imaginary Solutions", Walkiewicz, The Physics Teacher, Oct.,
Vol.34, p.388 (1996)

These are all written based upon simple mechanics problems.

For a more advanced treatment, check out "Why i?", Baylis, Huschilt, and
Wei, American Journal of Physics, Sept., Vol.60, p. 788 (1992)

Final thought: It pays to subscribe to at least The Physics Teachers,
and better yet to read the articles!

Tom Walkiewicz walkiewicz@edinboro.edu
Dept. Physics 814-732-2468
Edinboro University
Edinboro, PA 16444