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. |
New country, unfamiliar keyboard, jet lag... so short entry. The plane out of DC got all the way down the taxiway when there was some sort of mechanical issue. As the jet was made by Boeing, they weren't taking any chances. So it went back to the terminal and then left late. Consequently, it arrived late, which I suppose is somewhat better than not arriving at all. First impression: if you ignore all the famous landmarks (like the ones NaNoNette has been taunting us with lately), Paris looks a lot like any other big city. I'll give it this, though: the graffiti is way better, in keeping with the city's reputation as an artist paradise. The lines are sharp and, unlike the graffiti in, say, northern New Jersey, you can actually sometimes make out what some of the letters are. Not that the words make sense. I mean, they might, if I knew more French, but I doubt it. Now, let's see if I can find my way around. Maybe tomorrow, I'll have pics, too. |