Questions tagged [pi]

The number $\pi$ is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Understanding its various properties and computing its numerical value drove the study of much mathematics throughout history. Questions regarding this special number and its properties fit in here.

$\pi$ is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Its definition is modern analysis is (by Karl Weierstrass) $$ \pi = \int_{-1}^1 \frac{dx}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}. $$ An alternative definition, popularised by Landau is: Define $\frac{\pi}{2}$ as the smallest positive root of the cosine function.

It can also be given by the Gregory-Leibniz series (exhibits sublinear convergence) $$ \pi = 4 \sum_{j=0}^\infty \frac{(-1)^j}{2j+1}. $$ $\pi$ has the approximate numerical value $3.14159265358979323846\dots$, can be approximated by fractions, for example, $\frac{22}{7}, \frac{333}{106}, \frac{355}{113},\dots$, and is both irrational and transcendental.

It is part of Euler's famous identity:

$$e^{i\pi}+1=0.$$

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Proof that this series equals $\pi$

I was looking for series that sum to $\pi$, and I happened to come across this one: $\pi = \displaystyle\sum^{\infty}_{n=0}\frac{n!\left(2n\right)!\left(25n-3\right)}{2^{n-1}\left(3n\right)!}$ Could anyone please tell me why this series does indeed…
user301661
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Would it be possible to define math based on `π = 1`

I have been playing with this idea for a long time... I must warn you I am not proficient at math at all, so I would appreciate answers that I can understand :) Could we define our math in such a way that π = 1 ? If not, why not? EDIT: I now see…
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Prove that $\pi$ is irrational

I haven't found a way, except using advanced methods, to prove the irrationality of $\pi$. It is possible to prove that $\pi$ is irrational, using only elementary algebra?
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Why would we use the radius of a circle instead of the diameter when calculating circumference?

Forgive me if this question is a little too strange or maybe even off. Mathematics has never been my strong point, but I definitely think it's the coolest... Anyway, I was looking into tau, pi's up-and-coming sibling. I started rethinking why pi…
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(Solved) Deriving Pi from Euler's Identity

I was tinkering with Euler's Identity and I come to wonder if it was possible to derive $\pi$ from it. I know $\pi$ can't be expressed as a fraction of two rational numbers but neither $i$ nor $e$ is rational. $e^{\pi i} = -1$ (square both…
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How do i mechanically generate pi?

Here's a question with very "real-world" implications... I want to produce pi in my basement woodworking shop. (And no, using pi on the calculator or computer is not allowed, nor are books.) The shop is as well equipped as a typical vocational…
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Is there a simple way to prove pi is irrational using math, which is known understandable for someone doing HL Maths (Advance High School Maths)?

In school I have learned from early on that pi is irrational, but is there a simply proof which I could understand to show that this is the case. I am doing HL Maths (IB, with discrete as the option topic), so ideally kept it at the high school…
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Longest chain of digits in $\pi$.

What is the longest chain of same digits in $\pi$? This question comes into my mind while reading about the Feynman Point in a book. So is there any longest known chain? Like $999999$ of Feynman point.
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Measure the length of a wrapping

I'm interested in learning how to find the length of a wrapping. Let's say I'm going to be wrapping some flat fabric webbing around a pole. I'd like to find the amount (length of fabric) i'll need to buy to wrap a portion of the pole. Desired…
dhulihan
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Why Doesn't this equation work?

$$\frac{n2^nn!^2}{(2n)!}$$ Is supposed to output the nth decimal of pi, this works fine with $$n = 1$$, but why not with $$n = 2$$? (I ommited the sigma, equation was found here)
user177370
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How Does This Evaluate?

I just relized, I have no idea how to evaluate: $$n2^2n!^2$$ Google didn't help me find a breakdown could anybody just space it out?
user177370
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Can the digits of $\pi$ be represented by a single integer?

I guess what I am really asking is, can an integer be constituted of an infinite non-repeating sequence of digits? Can you take all the digits of $\pi$ and store them in a single integer (even if we don't know how to write that?)
LB--
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Doubt in Niven's proof given in wikipedia.

I am writing to seek clarification on a specific aspect of Niven's proof, as presented in the Wikipedia article. I have attached an image for your reference. My inquiry pertains to the value of and its behavior when n>k. I am particularly interested…
Akash
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Ancient Chinese method to calculating $\pi$

I'm trying to understand the following passage from Boyer's and Merzbach's History of Mathematics: The question I have is: how does the author derive that $w^2=2rv$?
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Eulers number divided by Pi

Whether $\pi e$ and $\pi+e$ etc. are irrational or not are famously unsolved problems in math. Is the irrationality of $\frac{e}{\pi}$ or $\frac{\pi}{e}$ equally hard to prove or is it trivial? Haven't found anything about it online.
Mather
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