Question

How is the exact value of pi determined?

Asked by: Charlie Hinkle

 Answer

The value of pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Therefore, you can determine the value of pi by drawing ANY perfect circle (either physically or in a computer program simulation), then measure it's circumference and diameter, take the ratio and that's it!

The value of pi correct to seven decimal places is: 3.1415926. Pi is an irrational number, i.e. it cannot be expressed by a whole number or a common fraction. According to Encarta Encyclopedia pi has been worked out to a million decimal places by a computer without coming to a whole fraction.

Answered by: Doris Thomas and Anton Skorucak

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