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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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You want me... ME... to venture... shudder... outside?
PROMPT July 10th
Go somewhere outside or where you can observe the happenings of the world beyond the walls of your home (looking out a window is fine). Spend at least five minutes watching and listening. What do you see, hear, and smell? Where does your mind wander when you sit quietly?
My housemate's cat was resting peacefully on the edge of the deck around sunset. Contented in the fading last light of afternoon, she rolled over in her sleep, and...
Well. You can imagine.
The cat's fine, of course. While it's not true that cats always land on their feet, she's just a little thing and she landed in a soft spot. Consequently, it made me laugh my ass off.
Yeah, I was outside. I joke about staying indoors all the time, but in the heat of summer, I like to sit on my deck with my laptop. Thus, I'm outdoors even now that it's midnight and the mild breeze from the inky blackness has cooled things off to just above indoor temperature. I'd expected the sharp trill of cicadas this summer, but no, all I hear are the trucks rolling by on the interstate, and the occasional friendly bump in the night.
But I like the heat of day. I like it better when the sun isn't in my face and I can see the screen better, but I'd be perfectly content with a lifetime of days between 75 and 95 F like these past few days have been. I'd even allow it to rain on occasion, but preferably while I'm asleep.
Guess I should move to Hawaii, huh?
Admittedly, it's preferable for me to have an air-conditioned indoors to retreat to on occasion, which is what I have now. But I certainly refuse to complain about the heat after suffering through sub-freezing temperatures in the winter.
But the cat's fall felt to me like a metaphor. There you are, happy and relaxed, and then you perform some seemingly innocent action like rolling over in your catnap and, next thing you know, your claws are scrabbling for purchase on the rough wood, purchase that they are doomed never to find, and then you're falling, falling.
Hopefully you land on your feet, but there's no guarantee.
There never is. |
© 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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