A real or complex number that is the root of a non-zero polynomial equation with integer coefficients. All rational numbers are algebraic, since a/b is the root of the equation bx−a = 0. Some irrational numbers are algebraic; for example, $\sqrt{2}$ is the root of the equation x²−2 = 0. An irrational number that is not algebraic (such as π‎) is called a transcendental number. The algebraic numbers are a denumerable subfield of ℂ. See minimal polynomial.