Calculating The Value of Pi

We have met the number 3.1416 or the approximation of pi (written as \pi) in our good old elementary school days. In fact, we have used it a countless number of times in mathematical computations. Most of us have used it when calculating the area of a circle or volume of a sphere, but only a few probably know that it appears in numerous branches of mathematics and even in other sciences.

pi

The number \pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. What does that mean? It means that if we measure the circumference of a circle and its diameter and divide them, the quotient is “three point something.”  Now that three point something is \pi. What is amazing is that this is always true even if the circle is a big as a planet or as small as an atom. » Read more