The Joys of Being Non-Linear
by
Gordon Sirvio
BEST WHEN VIEWED USING FULL BROWSER WINDOW
Introduction
This is not a rigorous study of non-linear dynamic systems.
Hold it! Stop! What? Time for a definition break. A linear problem when graphed is a simple line, hence linear. Remember those graphs you made in junior high math? Linear problems when solved result in a single correct answer. Non-linear problems can have more then one correct answer, so their graphs are more complex then a simple line. Their graphs curve back and forth. Dynamic means that the problem is sensitive to the starting values. In other words, a small difference in the starting point will result in a big difference at the end.
Now, what was I saying? Oh yes. This is not a rigorous study, but a start to understanding all those words and concepts that are showing up all over. Remember the Chaos scenes in 'Jurassic Park' where Malcolm tries to explain Chaos to the other scientists or the discussion on 'Northern Exposure' on Fractals between the radio DJ and his girlfriend? Have you tried to compare programs for your computer and saw the word Fractal used over and over? Heard about the latest economic theory that used Complexity? Looked at the latest camera or car that had something called Fuzzy Logic incorporated in it? Wondered why the Federal government stopped the sale of Quicken to Microsoft?
Wouldn't it be nice to know what everyone is talking about without having to go back to school? I will try to explain these concepts and approaches to solving these problems by analogy and example. Then the next time you will be able to use these words and be able to impress everyone with your expertise.
The starting point part 1
Life and automata part 2
Fractals part 3
Chaos part 4
Complexity part 5
Fuzzy Logic part 6
Back to the Keep's Gate
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