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by spacedome 2318 days ago
In the video they present it as an algebraic framework where you can "add" to a number system elements x such that x^2 = -1, x^2 = 0, or x^2 = 1. Adding the element x^2 = -1 to the real numbers gives you the complex numbers, with x = i. Adding the element x^2 = 0 to the real numbers gives you the dual numbers with x = epsilon, which is what can be used for automatic differentiation. The case of x^2 = 1 is more complicated.