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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.
September 11, 2018 at 1:12am September 11, 2018 at 1:12am
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If I'd known I'd be here for 14 years, I don't think I would have created my account on September 11.
And I didn't intend to. As I recall, I tried to sign up (at the suggestion of my friend Artemismad Scientist) earlier in September of 2004, but there were some technical issues - issues that resulted in that annoying "02" at the tail end of my username (there is no cathartes01, and never has been, as far as I know). It was only during a late night at my then-office that I got that straightened out, so I think I missed 9/10 by just an hour or so.
This was 14 years ago, as I said, so my memory on the details is suspect. 14 years is a long time. I've been a moderator for 12 of those years, and been a regular editor of the Comedy and Fantasy newsletters for most of that time.
And yes, I know I haven't entered a thing in this blog for over six years. Life has been... uninspiring, I suppose. Am I back to it, then? I don't know. I don't want to make statements I can't back up with deeds. Every night, just after midnight, I get the reminder to update my blog. That reminder has been there, taunting me, for so long that it's been as much a part of the background of my life as beer. More, actually; I don't drink beer every day.
If anyone is still following along, let me catch you up on what's been going on since May 13, 2012:
I spent my 2014 birthday in hospital as a result of a heart attack. As you can see, I survived it.
Several road trips happened. Some even before I quit writing here. I recorded some of them on my WordPress blog
I'm officially divorced with very little interest in dating. Unfortunately, this also means I don't have any health insurance.
I spent a month in Maui. Or "on" Maui. Still not sure how you're supposed to put it. No one says "on Manhattan."
Nerd camp (just this past June).
Still not published.
There's probably more, but I have to save some details for future entries, right? |
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