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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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July 23, 2023 at 8:26am
July 23, 2023 at 8:26am
#1052958
As usual for Sundays, I used my handy Random Number Generator to excavate an ancient blog entry. This time, it pointed me to what might actually be my shortest entry ever, though I'm not going through all 2400+ entries to verify that.

The entry in question is from all the way back in October of 2008: "Best Waste of Time EVEROpen in new Window.

It consists of a naked link (this was, if I recall correctly, before the xlink: feature was implemented), the words "Go ahead. Click." and a smirk emoticon. (This was also before the smirk2 emoticon).

Hesitantly, I clicked on the link. It is, after all, at least 15 years old. If it's not dead, I thought, it's probably redirected. Or possibly encrusted with ads or other extraneous nonsense. Or, even worse, infested with malware. So I made sure my ad and script blockers were on and fully functioning.

This is why I try to always expect the worst: Either I'm wrong, and something other than the worst happens, which is by definition good; or I'm right, which always feels good.

And yet, the link is still active. I'm sure some things have changed there since 2008; for instance, now there's the option to get the corresponding app for your smartphone, and there are probably a few extra links near the bottom of the page... but no intrusive ads (I checked on a different browser, but not on my phone) or, as far as I and my extensive guardian plugins can tell, anything dangerous there.

This is the link,  Open in new Window. if you don't care to look at that older blog entry.

So what we get is a nice blast from the past, a reminder of what the internet used to be before most everything went to shit and became commodified, intrusive, and sanitized. And perhaps even a place to exercise artistic talent, if you have any, that is; I do not, but there are plenty of examples at the link of the works of people who do.

Whether it's still the "best waste of time ever" is debatable.


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