About This Author
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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 journaled, on and off, for about as long as I could write.
PROMPT July 12th
When did you first start blogging? (anywhere, not necessarily on WDC) Why? What did you blog about? (subjects, topics, personal news, etc.) Has your blogging style changed since you began?
My first blog began in 2005. It wasn't long after I joined here, and I guess I just wanted to start it on New Year's Day. A resolution of sorts, I suppose, back when I still had some interest in resolutions.
It wasn't this one. Back then the blogs had a lower size limit, and I think I was approaching it, so I created this one instead -- mostly because I thought of the perfect title for it. The old one lasted two years; this one's been around for thirteen, though with a very long hiatus. Never could be arsed to turn off the blog entry notifications in my email, either. Six or seven years of "Your blog misses you! Write an entry!"
Before the first blog, I did things the old-fashioned way: scratches on bark, or cuneiform. Okay, no, it was pen/pencil on lined notebook paper.
My handwriting sucks. Always has. I don't know what happened to those old journals. Hopefully they're smoke now. Later, I started using block caps, which are at least more legible, but the writing was just as pathetic.
As with anything, you get better with practice. At least, I hope I do.
I think I gradually picked up the habit of linking things I found interesting and commenting on them. I mean, for a while there I was all about personal stuff, but my life these days just isn't all that interesting unless I'm traveling -- and I have an offsite blog for that, one that makes it easier to include photos.
It's clear that I gravitate toward certain subjects more than others: various branches of science, philosophy, humor, language, music, drinking, and, yes, writing. I try to stay clear of politics because political arguments make me angsty. Sports is barely even on my radar.
Occasionally I'll look back at my old stuff and go "gods, what an idiot." Chances are that 15 years from now, if I'm still alive and can still see, I'll look back at this entry and go, "gods, what a moron." Chances are even better that a whole bunch of people are already saying that.
Still, because my memory is crap (for anything not involving song lyrics), it's good for me to have a record. And if someone else gets entertainment out of it, too, that's great.
So thanks for reading! |
© 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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