Not for the faint of art. |
Complex Numbers A complex number is expressed in the standard form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is defined by i^2 = -1 (that is, i is the square root of -1). For example, 3 + 2i is a complex number. The bi term is often referred to as an imaginary number (though this may be misleading, as it is no more "imaginary" than the symbolic abstractions we know as the "real" numbers). Thus, every complex number has a real part, a, and an imaginary part, bi. Complex numbers are often represented on a graph known as the "complex plane," where the horizontal axis represents the infinity of real numbers, and the vertical axis represents the infinity of imaginary numbers. Thus, each complex number has a unique representation on the complex plane: some closer to real; others, more imaginary. If a = b, the number is equal parts real and imaginary. Very simple transformations applied to numbers in the complex plane can lead to fractal structures of enormous intricacy and astonishing beauty. |
My drive was hit by heavy rain for half the day, yesterday. Not fun, but it could have been worse. Hell, if it'd been much colder, it would have been worse. Today and tomorrow, and that'll be that. Unless something catastrophic happens. Which wouldn't surprise me. Piss me off, maybe, but not surprise. Speaking of catastrophic, you'd think I'd be immune to hearing about current events while driving, as I don't mess with radio. Nah, as soon as I take a break, there's the news, staring me in the face. But that's okay. I don't believe in disconnecting. I know some people dream of vacationing somewhere with no internet service. For me, that would be a nightmare. Not only would I lose my streaks (here and on Duolingo), but, seriously, what else would I do? No, one of my biggest concerns about, say, going to Europe, is making sure I'll have internet service over there when I go. Well, that and enduring another transatlantic flight. Those are nightmares, too. Well, I'm hoping to go, anyway. Just not sure when, yet. Certainly not this year. |