For centuries, ancient scholars and scientists have puzzled over this mysterious number. What is it, what are its uses, and how has it figured in history?
Defining Pi
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This mysterious 3.141592..., which comes in at every door and window, and down every chimney, calling itself the circumference to a unit of diameter.-Augustus De Morgan
Defining Pi
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- Denoted by the symbol π. - Defined as the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. - Referred to as Archimedes' constant - Commonly expressed as 3.1415929 or 22/7, although it is an irrational number with an infinite number of digits.
Uses of Pi
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- Used to calculate volume, surface area, as well as the circumference of three-dimensional shapes.- Here are two important formulas that use pi:Circumference = π × Diameter Area = πr2 square
Calculating Pi
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- With the advent of mathematical innovations analyses came faster and more accurate ways of calculating for pi.- In the late 16OOs, Sir Isaac Newton was able to calculate its value up to 16 decimal places with the use of his binomial theorem.
Calculating Pi
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By the advent of the 21st century, computers were able to express pi to 31,415,926,535,897 decimal places!
Pi's Relevance
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- Pi continues to puzzle and amaze people in modern society. - Piphilology is the use of different techniques to memorize as many digits of π.- It is celebrated all over the world on March 14 and is known as Pi Day.