Why are real numbers called 'real'?

Real numbers were first called "real" by René Descartes in the first half of the 17th century, to distinguish them as actual roots of polynomial equations distinct from "imaginary" roots. They were not properly formalised until the second half of the 19th century more than 200 years later. read more

Real numbers were first called "real" by René Descartes in the first half of the 17th century, to distinguish them as actual roots of polynomial equations distinct from "imaginary" roots. They were not properly formalised until the second half of the 19th century more than 200 years later. read more

Because they are not Imaginary Numbers. The Real Numbers had no name before Imaginary Numbers were thought of. They got called "Real" because they were not Imaginary. That is the actual answer! Real does not mean they are in the real world . They are not called "Real" because they show the value of something real. read more

There are rational and irrational numbers, positive and negative numbers, integers, natural numbers and real or imaginary numbers. It can be difficult to keep them all straight. For this lesson, we will define real numbers and give some examples. read more