Most students are faced with the task of solving the equation x2 + 1 = 0 over the real numbers at some time in their algebra classes. After they substitute values for x unsuccessfully, they usually attempt to solve the equivalent equation x2 = -1. They soon realize that it is impossible to square a real number and obtain a negative number. At this point their teacher may define the imaginary number i to be and then proceed to develop the complex number system.