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. |
A summary of my travel accomplishments and assorted notes, now that I'm back home: I visited Nebraska for the first time. Now I just need Michigan and Alaska for the completed set. I appreciate that they grow stuff in Nebraska that I eat and drink. I'm glad I don't have to be there to supervise. Is there anything more satisfying than watching someone who just blew past you get pulled over by cops? No. No, there is not. There is something about California that keeps anyone in that state from making above-average pizza. While you might not expect or believe it, Utah contains very good breweries and distilleries. I finally perfected the wording of one of my life philosophies: "Bread is food; everything else is a condiment." Driving in heavy rain or snow sucks. What sucks worse is driving directly into the accursed daystar as it is rising or setting. People need to learn how to fucking merge. When there's a reduced-speed-limit-double-fines construction zone, don't get all pissed off at me when I do the limit. On the flip side, cops, don't set up three orange cones with a speed trap and call it a construction zone just to get more revenue. In the end, I'm glad I did the trip. But next time, maybe, back roads during warmer weather. |