Do imaginary numbers exist?

Pysiycists are not sure what to make of imaginary numbers. There is no problem with real numbers. We use positive integers for counting. Fractions are needed when we use numbers for measurement. Friction causes things to decelerate, creating a need for netative numbers.

But what in the real world corresponds to i = square root of -1. When working with waves, complex numbers simplify calculations, but are they really necessary? Recent work in quantum mechanics suggest that complex numbers may not be dispensible. They may be a fundamental part of reality.