Derivation of pi using calculus

In summary, the conversation discusses an attempt to derive pi using calculus, but the result obtained was different. The conversation then delves into the equation for arc length and the use of the WolframAlpha tool. Ultimately, it is suggested that any proof of the value of pi will use its empirical value and an alternative method using integrals is proposed. It is also mentioned that Euler's textbook on calculus provides a proper approach to analyzing the value of pi.
  • #1
OcaliptusP
23
2
I tried to derivate pi using calculus but i just found a quite different result. Can you spot my wrong please?First i started with equlation of a circle which is:
$$x^2+y^2=r^2$$
I am assuming circle's center stands on the center of origin.
To reach pi we shoud consider the situation that diameter = 1 because when diameter equals 1 circumference equals ##\pi##.Then:
$$x^2+y^2=\frac{1}{4}$$
Simplify the equlation to get:
$$y=\sqrt{\frac{1}{4} - x^2}$$
We can use the formula which says that our arc length is
$$ L =\int_a^b \sqrt{1-(f^\prime(x))^2}$$
Take the derivative of our function which is:
$$-\frac{x}{\sqrt{\frac{1}{4} - x^2}}$$
Stick this equlation to the formula to found arclenght.(and multiply by two to get full arclenght we just find the half of the circle)
$$L=\int_a^b \sqrt{1-\frac{4x^2}{1 -4x^2}}$$
The circumference is the twice of the value of this integral between ##-\frac{1}{2}## and ##\frac{1}{2}##.
So the equlation comes to:

$$L=\int_{-\frac{1}{2}}^\frac{1}{2} \sqrt{1-\frac{4x^2}{1 -4x^2}}$$

That's where i got stuck. So i used our friend Wolfram Alpha to reach result(taking indefinite integral):
$$\frac{1}{2} E(sin^{-1}(2x)|2)$$
I've absolutely no idea what that means and i simply take the definite integral and found the result as(by using the WolframAlpha of course):
$$E(2)$$
Well i have no idea what does this mean and i ask for some help from you. Can someone explain what this result is and how did i get to this result? By the way E(2) equals:
$$
0.59907011736779610371996124614016193911360633160782577913... +
0.59907011736779610371996124614016193911360633160782577913... i
$$
 
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  • #2
I have not tried to follow your math because I think that any "proof" of the value of pi is going to, somewhere along the way, use, implicitly or explicitly, the fact that pi is what it is so you will end up having proved nothing. That is, pi is an empirical value.
 
  • #3
You got the formula for arc length wrong. It should be:

##L = \int_a^b \sqrt{1+(f'(x))²}dx##

If you want to calculate ##\pi## using integrals (using numerical methods, of course), I suggest you the following alternative:

##\pi = 4\int_0^1 \frac{1}{1+x²}dx##
 
  • #4
After correcting the plus sign as @Math_QED explained, W|A finds:
$$L = \sqrt{1+\frac{4x^2}{1-4x^2}}dx = \frac 12 \sin^{-1}(2x)\Big|_{-1/2}^{1/2} = \frac\pi 2$$
as expected.

I'm not familiar with the E function, but W|A does show that it is apparently related to the Gamma (##\Gamma##) and Pi (##\Pi##) functions, which are generalized versions of the factorial function.

Note that we're not getting around the ##\sin^{-1}## function, meaning we're effectively using trigonometry regardless of the attempt to use calculus.
 
  • #5
Thanks for all your help.
 
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Likes I like Serena
  • #6
Euler's textbook on Calculus is interesting because he was the one who popularized the symbol π for the circle constant and he shows the proper way to go about this kind of analysis. Here's the relevant chapter:

http://www.17centurymaths.com/contents/euler/introductiontoanalysisvolone/ch8avol1.pdf

He begins with π as a numerical approximation for the semi-circumference of the unit circle (he cites it to 127 decimal places!) and then develops definitions of the circular functions sin, cos, tan, and so on with this constant. He eventually defines the functions as power series. Then he uses those power series definitions to give justification to infinite series that converge to π. And now the value of π can be calculated to an arbitrary degree of precision.
 

1. What is the derivation of pi using calculus?

The derivation of pi using calculus is a mathematical process that involves using the principles of calculus to find the value of pi, which is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. This process was first discovered by mathematician Archimedes in the 3rd century BC.

2. What is the formula for the derivation of pi?

The formula for the derivation of pi using calculus is based on the integral of the function 1/(1+x^2) from 0 to 1. This integral can be solved using the techniques of calculus, resulting in the value of pi.

3. How does calculus help in deriving pi?

Calculus helps in deriving pi by providing a way to calculate the area of a circle, which is necessary to find the value of pi. By using the principles of integration, the area of a circle can be calculated, leading to the value of pi.

4. Is the derivation of pi using calculus accurate?

Yes, the derivation of pi using calculus is considered to be highly accurate. The value of pi obtained through this method is typically accurate to several decimal places, making it a reliable approach for calculating pi.

5. Can anyone understand the derivation of pi using calculus?

While the derivation of pi using calculus may seem complex, it can be understood by anyone with a solid understanding of calculus principles. With some basic knowledge of integration and the formula for pi, anyone can understand the derivation process.

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