I've got the complex values 'Z' and '#pixel' in my standard mandelbrot formula. each complex value is given by (a + bi). I've calculated that for '(a + bi)*(c + di)=(a + 2bi)' c = a^2 + b^2 and d = (ab)/(a^2 + b^2). But how do I tell ultrafractal to create the values c and d from the complex values 'Z' or from '#pixel'? I cant just tell ultrafractal: c = a^2 + b^2 d = (ab)/(a^2 + b^2) I have to define the values 'a' and 'b' too. how do I devide 'Z' and '#pixel' in the components 'a' and 'bi'?

I hope this makes sence. I have to use this to 'stretch' a mandelbrot fractal along the real or imag axis. I cant just render my fractal and stretch it in Photoshop or PSP or any other image program. It's my assignment for Math at school to do this mathematically.

i = sqrt(-1)

I fotgot that sorry.

That i = sqrt(-1) is clear :-)
But please take a look at several formulas and read the VERY helpful and well.written tutorials and help-files. There is a lot of good hints...

I forgot - UF has complex multiplication, you don't need to calculate with a=real(#z) and b=imag(#z), resp. real(#pixel) and imag(#pixel).

Yes I know I don't have to calculate them to get the effect I'm looking for, but the assignment is to change the actual mandelbrot formula. It is not only neccesary to get the visual effect, I need to do it with this specific technique. I know (almost 100% certain) that my formula for multiplying mandelbrot along one of the two axis works, but I've got to get visual evidence and that's what I try to do with ultrafractal. Does the multiplication option change the actual mandelbrot formula or is it a secundairy formula or transformation algorithm?

Thanx for trying to answer my question by the way. I'll re-check the help-files.

The formulas are no fixed built-ins, you are free to write your own stuff, try it out until it does what you have in mind :-)

I've found out what the problem was. First error: I used imag(z) but I had to use flip(imag(z)). I had a formula describing the translation, but my the formula was not dynamic and Ultrafractal thought it was. this created an endless loop. Ultrafractal would always say it expected a ')'. I've now got a very simple solution: z= z^2 + #pixel z = real(z) + 2*flip(imag(z)) That does the trick.