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. |
I was far more prone to writing really short blog entries in the far-distant past, like this one from December of 2007: "The End is Nigh" Partly, it's because the Newsfeed hadn't been invented yet. I don't remember exactly when WDC added that feature. It was a while ago, but certainly not as far back as 2007. But also, I think I had it in my head to write something every day, even if it was brief. Thus, you get utterly useless posts like that one. Nowadays, I still try to write something every day (at which I've been successful for about four and a half years, now), but I do try to make it worthwhile. Usually. The end of the year, that is. That, of course, referred to the clickbait title of the entry. It doesn't feel like the end of the year. In fact, it feels like 2007 has just gotten started. That may be because I'm still working toward the same goals, trying to get the same stuff done. Oh, to be young again and have "goals" and stuff to "get done." Okay, traveling may count as a goal; I don't know. Whatever. Ah, yes, the rallying cry of my generation! Tuesday is just another day (except, of course, for certain writing.com activities). December 29, the date of that entry, was on a Saturday; by "Tuesday," apparently, I was referring to the day of January 1, 2008. I have no idea what activities Past Me was talking about. And just like always, first I have to make it through Sunday Nor do I have the foggiest clue what he was going on about with that. Sundays have never been particularly onerous for me, insofar as I can recall. At the time, I was actively running a business, which meant that sometimes I had to work on Sundays (and Saturdays, and holidays, and evenings), but rarely was that the case during those liminal days leading up to the new year. Also cringeworthy: I ended the entry with a smiley-face emoticon. |