Full Idea
The Negative numbers are postulated (magic word) to solve x=5-8, Rationals postulated to solve 2x=3, Irrationals for x-squared=2, and Imaginaries for x-squared=-1. (…and Zero for x=5-5) …and x/0 remains eternally open.
Gist of Idea
Negatives, rationals, irrationals and imaginaries are all postulated to solve baffling equations
Source
José A. Benardete (Metaphysics: the logical approach [1989], Ch.14)
Book Reference
Benardete,José A.: 'Metaphysics: The Logical Approach' [OUP 1989], p.99