Day Pi Became 3.2: Solving Squaring the Circle Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the historical and mathematical implications of the Squaring the Circle problem, particularly in relation to a legislative attempt to redefine the value of pi. Participants explore various perspectives on the significance of this event and its implications for mathematics and law.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a specific legislative attempt to redefine pi, suggesting it was "enshrined in law," while others challenge this characterization, noting that the bill was ultimately voted down.
  • One participant mentions a vote of 67 to 0 in the legislature, implying some level of support, but acknowledges that it was not passed into law.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of legislating mathematical concepts, with one participant drawing a parallel to historical conflicts with religious authority.
  • Links to external resources, such as articles and videos, are shared to provide additional context and perspectives on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature and significance of the legislative attempt regarding pi, with no consensus reached on whether it was effectively "enshrined in law." The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of such legislation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of "enshrined in law" and the historical context of the legislative actions mentioned. The mathematical validity of the claims related to pi is not fully explored.

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Interesting take on solving the Squaring the Circle problem enshrined in law:

http://pulse.edf.com/en/day-pi-became-3-2-instead-3-14159/?utm_source=OutbrainInter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Trafic
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Or this one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pie_(song )
 
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\frac{22}{7}, \frac{16}{5}, or \frac{7^7}{4^9}, it's all the same.
 
jedishrfu said:
Interesting take on solving the Squaring the Circle problem enshrined in law:

http://pulse.edf.com/en/day-pi-became-3-2-instead-3-14159/?utm_source=OutbrainInter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Trafic
The "interesting take" is that the very site you link to say it was NOT "enshrined in law". such a bill was introduced into the state legistature but voted down.
 
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HallsofIvy said:
The "interesting take" is that the very site you link to say it was NOT "enshrined in law". such a bill was introduced into the state legistature but voted down.

I stand corrected if not by spellchecker then by HallsOfIvy. But it did get 67 to 0 vote in the legislature but was killed in the state Senate so I guess it was half a law.
 
Legislation to force a mathematical concept into law.. Scary.
Reminds me, that there was a time one did not go against the church for fear of torture and or death.
 
Story told by Numberphile:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFNjA9LOPsg
 

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