Stage 2 Specialist Maths Chris Sudjana

Introduction:
The purpose of this investigation is to explore the relationship and differences between
Mandelbrot and Julia Sets. To be more specific, it will discover what values will satisfy
an inclusion of Mandelbrot and Julia sets. The basis of a Mandelbrot set is given by the
iteration of z z2 + c, where ‘c’ can be any complex number but it remains constant
when used in iterations. In addition, the initial value; i.e. z0 is generally z0 = 0. A Julia Set
is also dependant on the iteration of zz2 + c, but c is a fixed complex number and z0 can
take the value of any complex number.

This investigation will require the use of many iterations. Basically an iteration is the
process where a specific formula, process or equation is repeated to a specified degree.
From these iterations, particular patterns can be discerned allowing the comparison
between entities on the Argand Plane. In this investigation, iterations and research will be
used to distinguish the difference between a Mandelbrot and Julia Set.

PART ONE
Mandelbrot Sets

As mentioned, a Mandelbrot Set the consequence of iterating the formula z z2 + c. This

process can also be expressed in the form zn = (zn-1)2 + c. In both cases, ‘c’ represents any
complex number, but it is also a constant. This means that the value for ‘c’ does not
change whilst using the process z z2 + c as it also represents the point being tested on
the Argand plane. Each consecutive iteration of z results in the previous value of z plus
the constant c. The value of z is not important when finding inclusion in a Mandelbrot
set, only its magnitude from the origin. The magnitude or length is given by the square
root of the complex number’s respective elements (i.e. the real and imaginary parts)
squared added together. Let A be the real part and B be the imaginary, therefore the
magnitude would be given by A 2 + B 2
A complex number is a member of a Mandelbrot Set if its magnitude is equal to or does
not surpass 2. It should be noted that given enough iterations; the magnitude of z will
eventually be larger than 2. Once it does so, it will most likely continue to increase, or in
mathematical terms ‘diverge’.

As an example the simple iteration of the complex number 0.5 +0.5i representing value
‘c’. The respectful magnitudes are given by:

Z0 = 0 Z0 =0
1
Z1 = Z02 + (0.5+0.5i) = 0.5+0.5i Z1 =
2
5
Z2 = Z12 + (0.5+0.5i) = 0.5 + i Z2 = ≈ 1.118
2
37
Z3 = Z22 + (0.5+0.5i) = -0.25 – 1.5i Z3 = ≈ 1.521
4
− 27 1
Z4 = Z32 + (0.5+0.5i) = − i Z4 ≈1.706
16 4
Stage 2 Specialist Maths Chris Sudjana

Z5 = Z42 + (0.5+0.5i) ≈ 3.285 + 1.344i Z5 ≈ 3.549

The example shows that this particular value of c is included in a Mandelbrot Set for four
iterations.

The following image shows a simple

Mandelbrot Set on the Argand plane. The
points which are coloured in black
represent the c-values of the many
iterations of the formula z z2 + c which
satisfy inclusion in the set. That is;
complex numbers that have a modulus of
< 2 after a certain number of iterations.
These c-values do not diverge. The values
which do not satisfy the set are displayed
through different colours; i.e. not black.
Of course these colour trends may differ
depending on the program used to produce
them.

Julia Sets
A Julia Set follows the same formula of z z2 + c or zn = (zn-1)2 + c, only the value of ‘c’
is a fixed complex number. The c-value also represents the point being tested; i.e. the
starting point. As there can be an infinite number of c-values, there are an infinite number
of Julia Sets. Z0, the initial value of z represents the value of every complex number. That
is, all values on the Argand plane are iterated in the form of the general process z z2 + c
as z0. This tests whether they will satisfy the inclusion in a Mandelbrot set. Whether these
values are included or not determines the nature of the Julia set. There are two different
forms of Julia set, sometimes referred to as connected or disconnected. A connected Julia
Set is included within a Mandelbrot Set. Julia’s which are not connected are represented
as a collection of several points. This is called cantor dust or colloquially known as
‘dust’. As mentioned, a complex number is a member of a Julia set through the iteration
of z z2 + c. Through research, the value of z0 does not diverge. This means that its
modulus or ‘length’ does not increase. Of course this becomes somewhat difficult to
determine. It is better and easier to recognise other trends, for example 2-cycles or
convergence. This in turn demonstrates that the value of z satisfies the inclusion in the
Julia set. Thus a [Link] set is defined when the iteration of a complex number does not
diverge to infinity.
Stage 2 Specialist Maths Chris Sudjana

The following image is an example of

Julia sets within and around a
Mandelbrot set.
Like the Mandelbrot set, members
which are included are coloured in.
Those that are not are left blank or
are in different colours.

From all of this, a relationship

between Mandelbrot and Julia sets
can be drawn. Firstly, it is seen that
both are found through the iteration
of z z2 + c. It appears that the
“Mandelbrot set forms a kind of
index into the Julia set” (Bourke, P.,
2001.) That is if a c-value satisfies the inclusion in the Mandelbrot set, converges, or
cycles whilst included in the Mandelbrot set then the resulting Julia Set will be
connected. That is, all the z0-values which satisfy inclusion will be connected and form a
solid group of points. On the other hand, if the c-values do not satisfy inclusion in the
Mandelbrot set; the resulting Julia set from the specific c-value will not be connected. It
will instead take the form of a series of points which are not connected, i.e. ‘dust’.

Part Two:

The use of computer technology provides efficiency and avoids the tedious work of
attempting to iterate 50 times. In which case a spreadsheet from Microsoft Excel will be
used to easily display and calculate the iteration results. Consequently, it could be seen
that the spreadsheet displayed error messages in cells which are extremely large. Hence
there would be no need to calculate the modulus for such values.

Rather than list hundreds of values for iteration, this project will just choose 5 c-values to
find if they are included in the Mandelbrot Set. The values are the following:
c=0-i c= -1+0.25i
c= -1+0.5i c= -2+i
c= -2 +0i

The iteration of z z2 + c where c = 0-i begins to 2-cycle at the second iteration between
the complex numbers 1-i and -3.67544536472586E-16+i. After a considerable number
of iterations it maintains this nature and can be said to never diverge. Due to this, as it will never
diverge; its magnitude will never exceed 2. Therefore the complex number satisfies inclusion in a
Mandelbrot set.

Iterating with c-value of -1+0.5i showed that its nature diverges. With each consecutive iteration
of z z2 + c, the magnitude of value z becomes significantly larger. Therefore, when c= -1 +0.5i
the complex number does not satisfy inclusion in the Mandelbrot set.
Stage 2 Specialist Maths Chris Sudjana

Iteration of the process z z2 + c where c= -2 +0i reveals that z converges after the second
iteration. Due to this, the magnitude of z will never surpass 2 and thus this complex
number satisfies inclusion within the Mandelbrot set.

C= -1 + 0.25i, when used for iteration resulted in a series of random points across the
Argand plane. Closer observation of the values present in each iteration revealed that
each respective magnitude of z is less than 2. Due to this, the use of this c-value in the
iteration process satisfies inclusion in the Mandelbrot set.

The iteration of the process where c= -2 + i results in a divergence. Each consecutive

iteration of the process resulted in a significant increase in the magnitude of z. Such the
use of this complex number does not satisfy the inclusion in the Mandelbrot set.

From these investigations, it can be seen that only the iteration of complex numbers
which resulted in a cycle, convergence or invariant point satisfied inclusion in the
Mandelbrot set. Basically, if the value of z did not diverge it would satisfy inclusion in
the set.

Part Three
Stage 2 Specialist Maths Chris Sudjana

Part Four

As mentioned in Part One, a complex number is part of a solid Julia set if it also satisfies
inclusion within the Mandelbrot set. The complex number of c= -1 +0.25i is chosen as it
satisfies inclusion in the Mandelbrot set after 50 iterations. More specifically, it did not
diverge after said number of iterations. The three z values are simple enough to select.
The iteration of mentioned c-value creates several z-values which each satisfy the
inclusion in the Mandelbrot set. Three of these values were chosen and when iterated
with c= -1+0.25i 50 times still satisfied inclusion inside the Mandelbrot as their
individual magnitudes were less than 2.
The values are as follows:
• -0.0625-0.25i
• -1.05859375+0.28125i
• 0.0415191650390601-0.345458984375i

These values can be proven through the computer spreadsheet used to iterate the tedious
process 50 times.

Conclusion:

This investigation revealed the distinct differences and relationship between Mandelbrot
and Julia Sets. This investigation can be taken further by investigating the nature of the
orbits in more detail. Hence, finding other patterns which enable identifications of certain
values ‘c’ and the magnitude of z to how many iterations before being excluded from the
set. Basically, this investigation could be improved through more exploration of the
relationship between sets and the values used in the process zz2+c.

Bibliography

Dewey, D., 2002, Introduction to the Mandelbrot Set,

[Link] , accessed on 11/9/09

Passagen, 2004, Mandelbrot and Julia, [Link] ,

accessed 14/7/09

Lifesmith Classic Fractals, n.d., Making Julia set Fractals,

[Link] , access 14/7/09

[Link], 2008, Julia Sets, [Link] ,

accessed 13/9/09

Bourke, P., 2001, Julia Set Fractals (2D),

[Link] , accessed on 13/9/09
Stage 2 Specialist Maths Chris Sudjana