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. |
For "Journalistic Intentions" [18+]... Pole Vault It's important to store your poles securely and safely. Be sure to build extra-thick steel and concrete walls, and a biometric lock on the door that only works for your thumbprint. Of course, that's just begging someone to amputate your thumb to get at the valuable poles inside. Oh, wait. Sorry. Pole vault. You know, just in case Russia invades Poland next, you have to be sure to build vast, arched, underground chambers to protect the population. Best to secure them against nukes. Not that, either? Damn. Well, I suppose it would be easier to build a vault in Antarctica, where the pole is at least on dry (if ice-covered) land, than it would be to build one under the Arctic Sea. But the Arctic Sea one would be more accessible to survivors after the zombie apocalypse, assuming it affects everyone in the world roughly equally. Or, you know, after the inevitable workers' re-vault. |