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. |
A "JAFBG" [XGC] prompt: What is something people get wrong about your occupation, gender, community, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, medical condition, etc. that you would like to clarify? Occupation: Being retired doesn't mean I sit around all day staring at nothing, waiting for someone to come by to alleviate the monotony. I am always doing something. Last night, that something was getting completely danchu. Gender: Contrary to popular belief, men don't just want One Thing. But often they have to act like they do because they've been conditioned to suppress their actual feelings. Community: Yes, Charlottesville has achieved international fame because there were a bunch of right-wingers who caused problems here. No, most of them were not from Charlottesville. My town is mostly leftist pinko commie socialist liberal hippies who drive Priuses. Pria. Prii. Whatever. Ethnicity: No, we don't have access to space lasers, and we don't secretly pull the strings of a global conspiracy shadow government. Jesus, give it a rest already. Sexuality: Being single doesn't mean I'd fuck anything that moves. I do have standards. Religion: Most atheists don't want to ban or destroy religion; we just want true freedom of religion for individuals, and freedom from religion in the public sphere. Medical condition: No, I'm not always going to follow my doctor's advice to the letter. It is more important to live a full life than it is to live an especially long one. Example: last night. Some people think hangovers are punishment for the good time you had. Me? I consider them a badge of honor. I just wish my cats didn't walk so loud. |