Common Pi Approximations:
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Definition: Pi (π) is a mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.
Importance: It appears in many formulas across mathematics and physics, particularly those involving circles or periodic phenomena.
The calculator provides two common approximations:
22/7 Fraction: This simple fraction gives π ≈ 3.142857 (accurate to 2 decimal places)
Decimal Approximation: 3.14159 is accurate to 5 decimal places
Details: Pi is an irrational number (cannot be expressed as a simple fraction) and a transcendental number (not a root of any non-zero polynomial equation with rational coefficients).
Tips: Select your preferred approximation method (22/7 fraction or 5-decimal approximation) and click Calculate.
Q1: Why use approximations instead of the exact value?
A: Since π is irrational, we must use approximations for practical calculations. The exact value has infinite non-repeating digits.
Q2: Which approximation is more accurate?
A: The decimal approximation (3.14159) is more precise than 22/7 (3.142857).
Q3: When should I use 22/7 instead of decimal?
A: Use 22/7 when working with fractions or when a rough estimate is sufficient. Use decimal for more precise calculations.
Q4: How many digits of pi are known?
A: As of 2023, pi has been calculated to over 100 trillion digits, though most applications need only a few dozen.
Q5: What's the exact value of pi?
A: Pi has no exact finite representation - it's an infinite non-repeating decimal. The sequence begins 3.141592653589793...