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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. |
I can venture forth again! Not that I want to, but if I did, I could. Yes, the incessant holiday tune barrage is (probably) over. There's only New Year's ahead, and that only has a couple of songs attached. So it's safe for me to go out again. Still not going to retail stores, though, because they'll be packed with ungrateful returners. But supermarkets are probably safe. So are bars. My self-imposed exile has resulted in at least one benefit: I actually wrote a story. Yes, yes, I know. Need some smelling salts? I wrote it for a contest, and because I'm more interested in writing than in winning - and because one of the organizers is a friend - I'd love to see some other entries. You can find it here:
There's still most of a week to enter, and the word/line count requirement is fairly low. Maybe - I don't know; I can't promise, but maybe - I can actually write more soon. That is, after all, why I came here in the first place. |