Day Pi Became 3.2: Solving Squaring the Circle Problem

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In summary, the discussion is about the attempt to solve the Squaring the Circle problem by enshrining it in law. This idea was proposed in the state legislature but ultimately voted down. The conversation also brings up the historical context of fear associated with going against the church, as seen in the video shared by Numberphile.
  • #1
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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
 
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  • #2
Or this one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pie_(song )
 
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  • #3
[itex]\frac{22}{7}[/itex], [itex]\frac{16}{5}[/itex], or [itex]\frac{7^7}{4^9}[/itex], it's all the same.
 
  • #4
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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  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
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.
 
  • #7
Story told by Numberphile:

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

1. What is the significance of "Day Pi Became 3.2" in the title?

The title refers to the day when mathematician Ferdinand von Lindemann proved that it is impossible to square the circle using only a compass and straightedge. This was a significant discovery in the field of mathematics, as squaring the circle was a problem that had puzzled mathematicians for centuries.

2. What is the "Squaring the Circle" problem?

The "Squaring the Circle" problem is a mathematical challenge that involves constructing a square with the same area as a given circle, using only a compass and straightedge. This problem dates back to ancient Greece and has been attempted by many mathematicians throughout history.

3. What is the value of Pi in the solution?

The value of Pi, which represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, is an irrational number that never ends or repeats. In the solution to the "Squaring the Circle" problem, Pi is approximated to 3.2, but this is not a precise value and is only used for simplicity in the title.

4. How was the "Squaring the Circle" problem solved?

The "Squaring the Circle" problem was solved by mathematician Ferdinand von Lindemann in 1882. He proved that it is impossible to create a square with the same area as a given circle using only a compass and straightedge, as the value of Pi is a transcendental number (cannot be expressed as the root of any polynomial equation).

5. How does the solution to this problem impact modern mathematics?

The solution to the "Squaring the Circle" problem has shown that there are limitations to what can be achieved using only a compass and straightedge. This has led to further advancements in the field of mathematics, particularly in the study of transcendental numbers and their properties. It also serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple problems can have complex and profound solutions.

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