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Complex Numbers
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.
October 28, 2018 at 1:10am October 28, 2018 at 1:10am
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https://www.thecut.com/2018/10/on-waking-up-early.html
I have some unsolicited work (life?) advice, which is that if you don’t know how to deal with a problem, or a whole host of problems, try getting up obscenely early. Like 5 or even 4 a.m. Just for a little while, at least, like maybe three or four years.
What a coincidence, because I, too, have unsolicited work/life advice, which is that if you don't know how to deal with a problem, drink.
It's easier than getting up early - though not cheaper - and has the added benefit of keeping you from thinking about your problems. And as we all know, if we don't think about our problems, eventually they go away. Things like work, family, and friends, for example. If you think about it, those are the sources of 95% of your problems. (The other 5% usually stem from making stupid decisions, such as not drinking.)
Even if it doesn't work to stop you from thinking about your problems, at the very least it makes you more likely to open up to the bartender about them. Bartenders love to hear about drunk peoples' problems; otherwise, they wouldn't be bartenders. Be sure to tip well. Since you might not be able to compute a proper tip at the end of the evening, just slip her a $20 bill now and then (or, if you're British... well, I can't remember if Brits tip bartenders or not, so come to the US and then tip the bartender.)
As if this weren't enough, drinking will keep you from doing something really douchey like waking up early or starting CrossFit training. If you do happen to wake up early, you'll have a hangover and you'll need to pee. Just remember, don't look into the mirror while you're in the loo. Self-reflection is for sober people.
Meanwhile, you'll find that you're awake, on average, for the same number of hours every day, regardless of when you wake up or when you go to sleep, so don't freaking sweat the whole catching-the-worm thing. After all, as a wise person once noted, "The early bird might catch the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."
Oh and hey, quick note - I have to go on an emergency trip to Atlantic City (a good friend of mine just got divorced and he needs to drink), so if I don't post over the next couple of days, that's why. |
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