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. |
Another one for "Journalistic Intentions" [18+] Cardio A friend of mine had this hypothesis: that our hearts can only beat a certain number of times, programmed by genetics or God or the universe or whatever, after which they just give out. The actual number is, of course, different for everyone, but usually on the order of 109 beats. Certain things speed up heart rate: too much caffeine (if there is such a thing), stress, panic, and exercise, to name a few. This, according to his hypothesis, has the effect of shortening one's lifespan, as it's compressing more heartbeats into a given unit of time. So he tried to control these heart-rate-increasing situations as much as possible, mostly by not exercising. Most of the medical community disagrees with him, but I trot that out whenever a doctor tells me I should get more exercise, which is every time I talk to a doctor. I don't actually believe his hypothesis, myself, but why take the chance? Haven't seen him in a while; we started moving (very slowly) in different circles. He's several years older than I am, and approaching that 109 heartbeats number now, so I hope he was right. |