Even people far from mathematics have heard about the existence of the number Pi. But few know where it came from and why it is needed at all. Speaking in scientific terms, it is a mathematical constant that expresses the proportional relationship between the circumference of a circle and its diameter. The value of the Pi constant is commonly expressed as the number 3.14. However, Pi is much more complex because it is a non-repeating decimal fraction that goes on indefinitely.
Interesting Facts About the Number Pi:
1. The history of the mathematical constant spans thousands of years. It was studied by Archimedes. However, he did not even realize that his calculations would have such important scientific significance. The letter “Ï€” of the Greek alphabet was first used in the work of mathematician William Jones in 1706.
2. The number Pi is irrational and cannot be expressed as a finite sequence of digits.
3. In the Pi constant, there are 4 billion digits after the decimal point. They were determined only thanks to the capabilities of modern electronic computing technology.
4. If the Tower of Babel ever existed, it collapsed precisely because of a mistake that crept into the project of its future construction. Based on mathematical works of that time, it is assumed that architects, when creating the drawings, assumed that π = 3.1604.
5. In the state of Indiana, a bill was once presented to Congress to round Pi to 3.2. Such nonsense in the bill was avoided because a professor with a scientific degree in mathematics was present at the meeting.
6. It is considered very honorable among scientists to be a member of the π Club. It is very difficult to get into its ranks. The mandatory condition is passing an exam on knowledge of the maximum number of digits that follow the decimal point.
7. Chinese man Lu Chao managed to fluently recite over 67,000 digits after the decimal point in the number Pi, becoming a world record holder in this field.
8. Musician David Macdonald developed his own system and translated the mathematical constant into musical notes. He got a very beautiful melody.
9. World Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th. Physicist Larry Shaw once noticed that if the date is written graphically, it turns out to be exactly 3.14. Every year on Pi Day, mathematicians hold quizzes, and confectioners bake cookies and cakes in the shape of π.
10. Real monuments and memorials are erected in honor of the constant that reflects the relationship between the circumference of a circle and its perimeter. The most famous of them is located in Seattle, USA.
11. There is an opinion that any digital sequence can be found in Pi, for example: an insurance policy number or the price of a favorite handbag.
12. If you type “pi” in the Google search bar, the calculator will automatically load, and it will display the number 3.14159265359.