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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.
November 13, 2020 at 12:01am November 13, 2020 at 12:01am
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One great thing about living a drama-free life is there's little opportunity for disagreement.
PROMPT November 13th
Write about a disagreement you had with someone. What happened? Was the conflict resolved?
And yet, I have cats. Consequently, disagreements happen on a regular basis.
Cat: I hunger. Provide the customary nourishment, please.
Me: I just fed you.
Cat: Your memory is faulty. Behold, the receptacle is void of sustenance.
Me: That's because you ate it all.
Cat: ...I hunger.
And so it's resolved by me feeding the cat.
Similarly, when it's time to go to sleep.
Me: Cat, you're in my spot.
Cat: You must be mistaken. I have claimed this location by virtue of prior habitation.
Me: That is exactly where I need to be in order to sleep. You're a cat. You can literally sleep anywhere.
Cat: I must reiterate My claim.
Me: *picks up cat and gently deposits her on floor*
Cat: You are cruel! I have never been so mistreated in My life.
Resolution: Cat ends up sleeping on top of me so that technically, we're in the same spot.
Or, like, I'm trying to write a blog entry.
Cat: This keyboard, its temperature is pleasing unto Me.
Me: Cat, I'm trying to type here.
Resolution: I finish the blog entry later.
Now, I also live with a human, but fortunately, we rarely disagree and never seriously. This is probably because our relationship is what you'd call platonic: few expectations involved. I'm sure I get on her nerves sometimes, but as it's my house, I can live with that.
When I was married, though, my wife and I got into minor disagreements quite often (though rarely major ones, the exception being when she decided I had too much stuff). But that's too far removed in time for me to remember the details of any of them. Having a lousy memory has its advantages sometimes.
I'm tempted to joke, "We compromised and did what she wanted," but that would be unfair to both of us. I'm pretty sure I got my way at least once. Maybe even twice.
I have a friend I've known since middle school, and we see each other sometimes. We disagree on most things political, but it's not like there are any stakes involved. He presents his point of view and I present mine, and we're still friends.
In short, while I have strong opinions about some things, I don't let that get in the way of getting along with people.
Usually. |
© Copyright 2024 Robert Waltz (UN: cathartes02 at Writing.Com). All rights reserved. Robert Waltz has granted InkSpot.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
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