Follow

Ordinary Guy: So you created a number that is the square root of negative one?

Mathematician: It was very useful.

OG: But it doesn't exist.

M: That's why we call it imaginary!

OG: Then you used it to do rotation?

M: Trig was too messy. Besides e^(iπ)-1 = 0 is just too awesome! All the greatest constants in one equation.

OG: But that wasn't good enough.

M: Nope. Now we have three different things that are all the square root of -1.

OG: And you call these totally tripping balls numbers?

M: Quaternions - it sound more professional at conferences.

OG: And what do you use them for?

M: Spherical rotation without gimble lock.

OG: 🤯

Robotbeat  
The most fun thing about spherical coordinates is how there are sooo many different conventions… I think I saw theta and phi serving opposite purpo...
Sign in to participate in the conversation
Qoto Mastodon

QOTO: Question Others to Teach Ourselves
An inclusive, Academic Freedom, instance
All cultures welcome.
Hate speech and harassment strictly forbidden.