![]() |
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. |
What are some of the outdoor games/activities that'll be happening at your summer barbecue? Lawn Darts. It helps to weed out the slow and/or unlucky, thus improving the gene pool. While I don't do barbecues these days, I do attend events at breweries. Many of these events are essentially great big outdoor [shudder] barbecues. There are two games that always show up at these beer festivals: Giant Jenga and Cornhole. Giant Jenga is just like Jenga, only they use 2x4s. I've never played it (or the miniature version), but it looks like a fun thing to do when you've been drinking. The "getting out of the way of the collapsing tower" part is my favorite bit to watch. Cornhole, the game that awakens my inner Beavis, is basically just an inclined slab of plywood with a hole in it. You're supposed to chuck a beanbag through the hole, or something. It's like horseshoes, only you don't get the evolutionary benefits as with lawn darts. I think the beanbag is actually a cornbag, hence the name - though why someone thought "cornhole" was less juvenile than "beanhole," I'll never know. Me, I'd rather find a place to set up my gaming laptop, or find a group to play D&D with. Provided, of course, we can go inside or at least find some shade. |