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. |
Well, I had some dental work done yesterday. This resulted in far more pain than I'd expected (I mean, sure, I expected some; it's a dental procedure). OTC pain relievers do nothing. So I have, basically, two options: 1) Be in pain, leaving me unable to sleep or concentrate; or 2) Take the good drugs the dentist prescribed, leaving me unable to sleep or concentrate (but at least not in pain), and running the risk of addiction. Yeah, that's right: opioids keep me from getting decent sleep. That alone is probably enough to keep me from developing a habit; I'd rather sleep. Point is, I won't be doing my usual blogging today, or, really, much of anything except staring at streaming video. Hell, I won't even be able to drink (adverse drug interactions). Of course, this will pass, and it's really not a big deal. Perhaps I'll feel better tomorrow. |