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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. |
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2018/10/19/How-has-alcohol-changed-i... (I can't do my usual article-quoting because apparently that website doesn't trust me enough for fair use copy/pasting.) Now, here's an example of science reporting that, while I agree with its general theme, isn't good science. Honestly, I'm not even sure where to begin enumerating everything this article is doing wrong. This doesn't help the Cause, people! We need real science, not vague generalizations, crappy evolutionary psychology, and statements of untested hypotheses. At least the article isn't all full of puritanical rubbish. I attribute that to it coming from the UK, a place that wisely got rid of its sticks-in-the-mud. Unfortunately, said sticks colonized America and so we're stuck with the result. And now I want a drink. |