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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.
December 19, 2018 at 1:35am December 19, 2018 at 1:35am
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Spoiler alert: I lived.
I really do not like air travel. I mean, look: you're flying. And you're getting from one city to another in a timeframe that would shock even science fiction writers a century ago. That shit's inherently cool, and sometimes, looking out the window of an airplane, I can still feel that sense of wonder (if there aren't any barking dogs or wailing children in my vicinity). This is a triumph of science and technology, and I don't care what anyone says about the wastefulness or contribution to climate change, it is fucking cool.
And yet, we've managed to turn it into a shitshow what with security theater and its petty annoyances, the sardine-packing of the airplanes, and the labyrinthine airports themselves with their overpriced shops catering to a captive audience.
On top of which, the flights I took did this thing where you could access in-flight entertainment on your own tablet, phone, laptop, whatever - which is fine; I'd rather use my own device anyway - but they didn't have anywhere to plug the goddamn things in, rendering the feature all but useless unless you carry a spare battery or two with you. You know, those lithium batteries that are known to fucking explode. I thought the point was to not explode.
I enjoyed the trip, at least the times that didn't involve the actual traveling part, though I won't want to do it again for a while.
But... I did get to drive a Tesla for a few minutes (speaking of science fiction brought to life). That made everything else worth it all by itself. Not everything about this timeline sucks. |
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