 |
| Not complex numbers can do imaginary things too |
Complex numbers are extremely important for
modern computing. They are used in the algorithm that helps determine the Amazon
“You might like” suggestions. Complex numbers are used to make MRI scans
readable. They are used in the mapping software on your phone. But, most people still call them imaginary as
if they were a convenient myth, like Santa or the Tooth Fairy.
I currently
know that complex numbers are useful in many emerging technologies. I’d like to
know how they are incorporated into that.
I know that complex numbers were controversial in the 1800’s. The
mathematics community was pretty divided for quite some time on what they were
and how to quantify them. I want to know how that became resolved. I know that
complex numbers are not representable on a number line. But, I wonder if there is
a better visualization for them, that makes imaginary numbers seem more “real”.
Some of my sources are: "Teaching
“Teaching the
Complex Numbers: What History and Philosophy of Mathematics Suggest” Journal of Humanistic Mathematics, https://scholarship.claremont.edu/jhm/vol3iss1/6
“At the Intersection
of Mathematics and Humor: Lewis Carroll’s “Alices”
and Symbolical Algebra” https://www.jstor.org/stable/3826762?seq=1&cid=pdf
“Alice’s Adventurer in Algebra.” https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20427391-600-alices-adventures-in-algebra-wonderland-solved/
There is a series on YouTube called “Imaginary Numbers Are
Real” https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConVfxXodg78Tzh5nNu85Ew
“The story of Mathematics” https://www.storyofmathematics.com/19th.html
5 comments:
Karen, I appreciate your passion for complex numbers. This concept is definitely hard to wrap your head around but I would agree that the term imaginary is a little off putting and should not be used. Thank you for sharing this awesome information!
This seems like a great topic to get students engaged. Although at first it might be hard for them to get a grasp on it seems like a topic that can be related to life outside of school. This is what so many kids ask in science and math of how can I possibly use this again, but this topic hits on that mark! Looking forward to learning more.
Complex numbers are certainly an interesting topic. I have a pretty good idea for what they are, when we can use them, and what they kind of mean, but one thing I definitely don't have much knowledge on is their application. I am really interested to see what you find and learning more about them!
I like the topic! It's definitely a hard topic to grasp. I'm excited to see what you find for visuals of complex numbers. Visuals help me understand math and would've definitely helped me with this topic when I was in high school.
It is nice to see you focusing on complex numbers while Derek is focusing on primes. I hope that you will be able to use each others resource curations in your future teaching. I look forward to seeing what you create for your visualization project. Visualizing conceptual and procedural aspects of math can be such a powerful tool for teaching.
Post a Comment