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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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PROMPT May 6th
Write about a community service or volunteer experience you’ve had in your life that made an impact on you.
None.
I realize that makes me look like an asshole, so I'll elaborate so that I look like even more of an asshole.
It's not that I've never done such things. Especially in college and just after, I tried doing things like volunteering at a soup kitchen and doing some work with Habitat, but those didn't last long and I can't say they made an impact on me except, maybe, to reinforce for me just how much I hate doing work, regardless of how good a cause it supports.
Also, I've never been in trouble with the law (well, not serious trouble), so I was never sentenced to anything like community service.
And I am fully aware that I'm extremely fortunate to have never been on the receiving end of volunteering or community service, so I can't say they've made an impact on me from the other direction, either.
No, I'm committed to being lazy. So when I get the inexplicable urge to do something beneficial for anyone other than myself, it's usually with money or property, not *shudder* work.
I do have to admit, though, that sometimes, at least in the Before Time, I got it in my head that it might be good to volunteer at the animal shelter. I'd get a rare chance to socialize with other people, and more importantly, maybe pet some kitties. But then I remember exactly how much I despise picking up doggy-doo (the primary reason I don't have a dog is I won't do that), and I'm pretty sure they make all the newbies pick up doggy-doo.
Well, that, and it would be impossible for me not to adopt all the kitties. |
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