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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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Some prompts are easier than others. This is not one of those.
PROMPT May 2nd
What one fictional character would most like to meet and talk to? Why? What would you like to ask?
Lara Croft, because she's smart and hot, and "Can I raid your tomb?"
On second thought, I'd rather not have my final words be a cheesy pickup line, so let's pick someone else.
That's right. Wile E. Coyote is the one fictional character I would most like to meet and talk to.
The reason is simple: I want the answers to a few questions. I imagine the meeting would go something like this (you'll have to imagine him holding up signs for his part of the conversation):
"Hey, Wile."
"Hey, Waltz."
"Wile... why?"
"Why what?"
"Well, you're a bit like Sisyphus, aren't you? Always chasing that Road Runner, and always failing, and yet you keep trying."
He shrugs. "I'm hungry."
"I get that, but, you know, why not, I dunno... scavenge?"
"But I'm specifically hungry for Road Runner."
"Look, this pursuit clearly isn't working out for you."
"I suppose I'm also teaching kids an important lesson."
"Yeah, I learned it long ago."
"And what exactly did you learn, Waltz?"
"I learned to never pursue your goals, because not only will you be disappointed, but the methods you use in pursuing your goals will inevitably leave you worse off than you were before."
He blinks. "That's... that's very Buddhist, you know."
"I suppose."
"And wrong."
"Look, mutt, you're the one setting yourself up to be a bad example, here. I learned how to do that from you, too."
"You were supposed to learn that you should always follow your dreams, even if you fail the first time."
"Well, Wile, that's just idiotic. Better to reduce your expectations and be realistic about your own limitations. And above all, avoid getting blown up or flattened at the bottom of a cliff. Besides, what's the goal, here? You want to devour an autonomous living creature whose only crime is being delicious."
"He's also way too smug."
"Okay, you have a point, there."
"Anyway, I gotta go. I'm expecting a delivery from Acmezon, and I wanna get back to my lair before Sylvester does his porch-pirate thing."
"Good talk, Wile."
"See ya, Waltz."
Aaaaand that's all, folks. |
© 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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