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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. |
PROMPT November 18th What is something that most people misunderstand or wrongly assume about you? I've sometimes been mistaken for someone who gives a damn. Nope, I hoard my damns like they're gold. Never know when you're going to need one. Like when you pop off the highway onto a scenic overlook in the Rockies, take in an eyeful of the vista and go, "Damn!" Or, you know, you get a good look at the enormous hunk of concrete at the south end of Lake Mead and go, "Dam!" Can't just go around giving damns away like Halloween candy. Those things are valuable. Other than that, well, I'm not coming up with much. Some people at bars have said stuff to me about sports, probably on the assumption that I'm in the bar to watch the ubiquitous TVs, I guess because I'm a dude. But no, I'm there to drink. That's what a bar is for. That and using the bartender as a low-cost therapist. I generally ignore the screens, and I know that sports exist and that's about the extent of it. There are some attributes I try to cultivate as protective camouflage, though. I generally don't wear my thoughts about politics or religion on my clothing or car. So sometimes people assume I have a certain political orientation based, I'd assume, on my demographics. But, since I do it on purpose... I don't give a damn. |