How did imaginary numbers come into existence? What was the first problem that required use of imaginary number?

Question

How did imaginary numbers come into existence? What was the first problem that required use of imaginary number?

In: 760

Answer 1

I would like to bring an understanding that has blown my mind recently. For numbered things, you can imagine negative numbers. For real positive numbers, you can define a positive surface (like square meters). For real positive surfaces, you can imagine negative surfaces. Necessarily these negative squared meters are the result of something that squares to negative numbers.

I believe that simple idea/understanding may lead to understand advanced math better.