Parameter

Robert P. Munafo, 2002 May 6.

The value (always a complex number) that gets added at each step of the quadratic iteration that produces a Julia set. This number is usually called C. For each distinct valus of C there is a distinct Julia set with a unique shape.

In more general usage, a value that gets used in the iteration formula for some type of iteration whose dynamics is being studied. The iteration itself happens in the "dynamical plane", and the set of all possible parameters is the "parameter plane". In most types of iteration functions it has been found that there are areas of the parameter plane (i.e. certain parameter values) for which the iteration exhibits the same properties as the simple quadratic function Z'=Z2+C, and those regions of the parameter plane contain shapes that look like the Mandelbrot set.


From the Mandelbrot Set Glossary and Encyclopedia, by Robert Munafo.     Mu-ency index

Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License .
WWW: http://www.mrob.com/
EMail: mrob at mrob com (If you aren't a spambot you can rewrite this yourself)
© 1996-2008 Robert P. Munafo.s.13