PI

Pi is a number.  A really big number.  So far, even computers can't find the last digit of Pi.  It is such a uique number.  Pi is really a circle.  Follow me so far?  The number that is found in ALL circles is the wonderful number, Pi. The circumference of a circle is found by multiplying the diameter of the circle by Pi.  This works for any circle, so in other words, Pi is a circle.  Get it?

Circumference = *  Diameter 

So to find Pi, just divide the circimference by the diameter.

=  Circumference / Diameter  (This only works in perfect circles however, not elipses or ovals, ect...)

Pi is like a constant variable.  It doesn't change.  How do we know it exsists?  Early mathematicinans noticed a relationship between the diameter and circumference of a circle.  The area of a circle was then found with a rough estimate of Pi.  An Egpytian named Ahmes wrote that Pi is "The Enterance Into the Knowledge of All Exsiting Things."  Ahmes wrote down a bunch of math problems and solutions on a papyrus scroll.  That is the earliest written proof of humans knowing about Pi.  Later on in history, by using more accurate measuring devices to get the diameter and circumference and by more advanced math people were able to get a more accurate number to Pi.  However, most math is just fine having Pi rounded off to 10 to 15 decimals.  and 3.14 will work for most math classes.  

Back to thePi homepage!