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. |
Yesterday's entry was short because I didn't have a comfortable place to type. Today, I found a hotel with a desk in the room, so that's an improvement. But I'm still going to keep it short, because I have beer to introduce myself to and I want to get to it. In contrast to yesterday's lodging, this one has quite ancient amenities, dating back to maybe 2012. The building itself is nearly a hundred years old, but they do have wi-fi and USB charging ports. Most importantly, though, the hotel is within stumbling distance of the two breweries in town, about midway between. This is a good thing. Sure, I'm paying a premium for proximity, but if I stayed in the cheap area, I'd have to pay for Uber. That is, if I can even get Uber here. Since I have nothing to complain about (yet), this is going to be even shorter than yesterday's entry. I will say, though, that driving across mountains is a lot of fun. |