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.
I'm reminded of this scene from The Princess Bride.
(Vizzini has just cut the rope The Dread Pirate Roberts is climbing up)
Vizzini: HE DIDN'T FALL? INCONCEIVABLE.
Inigo Montoya: You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
Tangentially related to 6. Adidas and Puma: During my first tour in Germany, I was assigned to the Army agency that formerly occupied Herzo Base, an airfield probably located within medium mortar range from the sport shoe factories.
As far as German revenge is concerned, I would venture a guess that it's planned down to the smallest detail and executed with appropriate gusto.
Earlier today I did a bit of shopping. I found a couple of items I had not planned on purchasing on sale so I grabbed them. As the cashier rang them up, I noticed they did not register the sale price, the regular price, but an even higher price. I questioned it and was told this, "The sale ended yesterday, but we didn't get the sign changed. Today the price increased because our cost has now increased." Yes, how did you guess, one of the items was eggs, now over a dollar each!
All Writing.Com images are copyrighted and may not be copied / modified in any way. All other brand names & trademarks are owned by their respective companies.
Generated in 0.65 seconds at 11:57am on Apr 02, 2025 via server WEBX2.