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. |
Sometimes, while driving long distances as I've been doing, I get these flashes of insight, deep philosophical epiphanies that would surely change the world, or at least the way people see it. Naturally, I promptly forget them. Well? It's not like I can write them down. No, I'm not going to use a recording device, either. Then, I'd have to listen to myself on playback, and I hate the sound of my voice. Pretty sure everyone else does, too, which is why I write instead of talk.. I suppose one of these days one will make it out of the memory hole, but today is not that day. |