How to get PI without the PI key?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding ways to obtain the value of π (pi) using a BA II Plus Professional calculator, which lacks a dedicated pi key. Participants explore various methods, approximations, and mathematical expressions to achieve this without relying on the common approximation of 22/7.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the fraction 31415/10000 as an approximation for π.
  • Another participant mentions that memorizing π to five digits is manageable and proposes the fraction 355/113 as a good approximation.
  • A participant discusses the possibility of expressing π through mathematical series, referencing the Leibniz formula for π.
  • One suggestion involves using the arcsine function, specifically 2 * Arcsin(1), to derive π, contingent on the calculator being set to radians.
  • Another participant proposes a mnemonic method to memorize π, counting letters in a phrase to represent its digits.
  • There is a mention of rational approximations of π available online, which may help in obtaining values within a certain tolerance.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the original poster's intent, with differing interpretations of whether they seek an approximation or a way to input π directly on their calculator.
  • Clarifications about the BA II Plus calculator's functions and capabilities are provided, including references to its manual for further assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of methods and ideas, but there is no consensus on a single approach to obtaining π without the pi key. Different interpretations of the original question lead to varied responses, indicating ongoing uncertainty and debate.

Contextual Notes

Some methods proposed depend on the calculator's settings (degrees vs. radians) and the availability of specific functions. The discussion includes approximations and expressions that may not be universally applicable depending on the context of use.

chocok
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Hi, I have a BA II plus Prof. and there's no "pi" key, I tried using the trig functions to get the value but it always give me a something in degrees.

I want to avoid using 22/7 as it's not close enough.
Is there any way to get the number instead of memorizing it?

THanks!
 
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How about 31415/10000?
 
Well, memorizing it to 5 or so digits isn't that hard (I know 15 just in case =] ) and in fact it may be easier to remember than any other method of getting the number on your calculator. I could tell you \pi \approx \frac{ \log_e ( 640320^3 + 744)}{\sqrt{163}}, which is accurate to around 70 digits, but that's much harder to memorize, not to mention if the button doesn't have pi, it probably won't have the other functions. Either remember, 3.1415926535 (truncate it earlier if you want) or, even better, 355/113 is good to 7 or so digits.
 
chocok said:
Hi, I have a BA II plus Prof. and there's no "pi" key, I tried using the trig functions to get the value but it always give me a something in degrees.
What's a BA II plus Prof.? I'm going to assume a scientific calculator... most calculators allow you to switch the trig mode between degrees, radians, and gradians.
 
Here is a link to the TI webpage where you can download a manual:
http://education.ti.com/educationportal/downloadcenter/SoftwareDetail.do?website=US&tabId=2&appId=6114
 
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Guys, I think he's looking for a way to write out PI itself without approximating it by whole number division or some other mathematical trick. Meaning to say that he wants to be able to write out PI with some mathematical expression as an number with an infinite decimal places accurately to any precision he wishes. (sorry if I sound a little incoherent, I'm down with fever at present)

Why not try PI as the sum to infinity of some series?

Like:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leibniz_formula_for_pi

Or this:
http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/~huberty/math5337/groupe/expresspi.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computing_π
 
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Do you mean through a simple calculation to obtain a good or comfortable approximation? Try either memorizing the first six digits, or use a mnemonic method. Try an internet search and you can find something that goes like, "Hey, I need a drink..."; I forgot how the rest of it goes, but count the letters in each word, use the comma as a decimal point, and you find 3.1415...

Then there is the simple calculation, 1 1 3 3 5 5 arrangement which uses the ratio 355/113
 
What about 2 * Arcsin (1)?
 
This might help:

http://www.isi.edu/~johnh/ABOUT/FEATURES/RATIONAL_PI/index.html"

Those are rational approximations of Pi up to a tolerance of 2.6621325721620792e-07.
 
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  • #10
Defennnder said:
Guys, I think he's looking for a way to write out PI itself without approximating it by whole number division or some other mathematical trick. Meaning to say that he wants to be able to write out PI with some mathematical expression as an number with an infinite decimal places accurately to any precision he wishes.
I don't, I think he is just looking for a way to use "\pi" on his calculator!
Unfortunately, he hasn't gotten back to us so we can't be sure what he wants.

The BA II calculator is itself a "financial" calculator and is, apparently, "object oriented" since the manual talks about "objects" that may or may not have "constructors" and have values of functions accessed by a ".". In particular, Chocok, "MATH.E" gives you the value of "e".
You can find it in your manual, I think on pages 95- 100. If you don't still have the manual, you can find a PDF copy at the website I posted before but here it is again:
http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/productDetail/us_baii_plus.html?bid=6
 
  • #11
Diffy said:
What about 2 * Arcsin (1)?

This works if trig. functions are defined in radians, not in degrees. In the later case I would use the formula:

sin(dfi)=dfi (radians)

Consequence:

sin(dalpha)=dalpha*2*Pi/360 (degrees)

So: Pi=sin(dalpha)*180/dalpha
 

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