Calculating Pi: Find Reliable Measurments

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of calculating Pi using measurements of a perfect circle. Participants explore the feasibility of obtaining reliable measurements and the implications of theoretical versus practical considerations in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks reliable measurements of a perfect circle to calculate Pi, expressing frustration over existing measurements that deviate from Pi beyond the tenth decimal place.
  • Another participant asserts that perfect measurements do not exist, emphasizing that a perfect circle is a mathematical concept rather than a physical reality.
  • A third participant agrees with the notion that physical measurements will not yield an accurate value for Pi and suggests that mathematical computation is necessary.
  • A later reply reflects on the initial misunderstanding, indicating that the participant had been using simple division based on diameter and circumference, and acknowledges the theoretical nature of a perfect circle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that perfect measurements are unattainable and that a perfect circle is a theoretical construct. However, there is a lack of consensus on the implications for calculating Pi through physical measurements versus mathematical methods.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definitions of perfect circles and measurements, as well as the unresolved nature of how physical measurements relate to theoretical calculations of Pi.

Dawguard
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Does anyone know the measurments of a perfect circle? I've been trying to calculate Pi on my own, but I can't find a reliable set of measurments to use. Everything I've found so far has been close, but starts to deviate from the real Pi around the tenth decimal place.
 
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What is this calculation you are doing ? You know that there is no such thing as a perfect measurement, right ? A perfect circle is a mathematical object. Neither will you find one in the physical world, nor be able to measure anything about it to arbitrary accuracy.
 
As Gokul points out, you won't get a particularly good value for pi by physical measurement. You need to compute it via mathematics

Enjoy!
 
Hmmm...I had been using simple division, so I was looking for a diameter and circumfrence. I had thought a perfect circle could exist in theory, and the measurements known, but apparently not.
Thanks for the link though, it's a great site!
 

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