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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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I've decided to stay in the Minneapolis area until July 5; I'd rather not play Road Roulette (or Hotel Hope) on the night of the Fourth.
Besides, there are many, many breweries here.
Of course, I visited one last night. That one was within walking distance of the hotel. This turned out to be a good thing, as I ended up staying there long after closing because they made me try everything they had -- which was not only beer but also some fine distilled spirits.
And this place brewed the most delicious mead I've ever enjoyed.
Mead, as I'm sure you know, is made from honey. This distinguishes it from other booze because most other booze comes directly from plant products, without the direct intervention of helpful but stingy insects. A lot of honey is needed, so I imagine it tends to be expensive to produce. I can't recall a single other brewery that I've been to brewing mead, but I have had both homemade and commercially-produced bottled mead before, and most of it either uses too much honey or too little.
This one was the Goldilocks mead: just right.
Anyway, the point is, between that and their other delicious offerings, I was too out of it to do this entry last night, so here it is.
But it also occurred to me that, though I'm staying here until the morning of the 5th, I haven't exactly made plans. I'm sure there's a good bit to do; this isn't exactly a small town. I'll figure something out. The good news is since I'll be here on Saturday I could do the usual biweekly WDC Zoomies meeting.
But right now, I have a hangover to cure. |
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