Not for the faint of art. |
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. |
It's halfway through October, so of course now I get an idea for NaNoWriMo. I suppose that's better than getting one halfway through November, but still, that means either no Prep, or Prep on my own, which would be fine except a) I've never done NaNo without going through the preparation process first and b) I'm used to writing some combination of fantasy and/or science fiction, and this one isn't. Hell, I don't even read anything without some elements of fantasy or SF (or at least supernatural bits, which is weird because I don't accept the existence of the supernatural) in it, so I have no idea how to write true-to-life fiction. I suppose I could find a way to incorporate said elements, but that would also take the story in a direction other than the one I'm considering. Might be worth it, though. I mean, fiction is fiction, right? On top of which I have three "successful" NaNoWriMo projects that are badly in need of editing, and my whole rationale for not doing one this year is that every time I think of writing something new, my brain just wants me to finish the projects I've already started. If I were writing the story of my life, my brain would be the primary antagonist. Stupid brain. |