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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.




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November 5, 2018 at 12:29am
November 5, 2018 at 12:29am
#944914
I don't respond well to motivation.

This isn't some manifestation of Oppositional Defiant Disorder or whatever the fuck they're calling mule-ass stubbornness these days. At least, I don't think it is. It's just that none of the usual tricks work on me.

Motivational messages, I've found, fall into two broad categories: ass-kicking, and ass-kissing.

Think of the former like a stereotypical drill sergeant. It's something like reverse psychology: "You're weak and you'll never amount to anything." It's usually meant to get you to prove them wrong. It doesn't work on me, because my response to that is something like, "You know, you're right. But so what?"

For the latter, the ass-kissing, I think of the classic kitten poster where the poor feline is about to fall off a branch. "Hang in there." No, I think I'll let go and give up; it's easier.

Whoever did that to a cat - even if it's only a matter of taking its picture rather than helping it - should be put in the same predicament.

But mostly, I think, it's a matter of comedy. Drill sergeants aren't funny. Cats hanging on by a thread are the polar opposite of funny.

And that's where demotivation comes in. These are messages that appear, on the surface, to be the opposite of motivating. But that's what makes them funny. Couple the message with what would, in other contexts, be an inspiring image, and you get comedy gold.

I'm not going to explain it any further, because the First Rule of Comedy is that if you have to explain it, it's not funny. You either get it or you don't. And if you don't, you're weak and you'll never amount to anything. But hey, hang in there.
 
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