Why Does Pi Equal 180 Degrees and 2 Pi Equal 360 Degrees?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the relationship between Pi and angle measurements, specifically that Pi radians equals 180 degrees and 2 Pi radians equals 360 degrees. This relationship arises from the definition of a radian as the angle subtended by an arc length equal to the radius of a circle. The circumference of a circle is calculated as 2 Pi times the radius, leading to the conclusion that 2 Pi radians corresponds to a full rotation of 360 degrees. The conversation also emphasizes the utility of radians in mathematical calculations over degrees.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry concepts, particularly circles and angles.
  • Familiarity with the definitions of radians and degrees.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between circumference and diameter in circles.
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly integration for arc length calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the relationship between radians and degrees using the formula degrees = (Pi/180) radians.
  • Explore the historical methods of calculating Pi, including Archimedes' approach using inscribed and circumscribed polygons.
  • Learn about the applications of radians in trigonometric functions and calculus.
  • Investigate the significance of Pi in various mathematical and physical contexts beyond geometry.
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Students of mathematics, educators teaching geometry and trigonometry, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of angle measurement and circle properties.

  • #31
middleCmusic said:
I think your method is fair, as it doesn't use the numerical expression for pi - rather it just uses relationships between [the ratio of a circle's circumference and diameter] and right triangles. (The former of which happens to be pi).

If OP wants a numerical expression for pi - one that generates it - perhaps an infinite series is what OP wants (although I feel from the responses that OP may be missing some of the prerequisite material, but perhaps it's just a language barrier).

How about something like this:

\pi = 4(1 - \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{5} - \frac{1}{7} + \frac{1}{9})

I don't know the derivation though unfortunately.

Perhaps you meant this: \pi = 4(1 - \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{5} - \frac{1}{7} + \frac{1}{9} - ...)

That ellipsis ('...') is all important.

Alternatively, you could've stated: \pi \approx 4(1 - \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{5} - \frac{1}{7} + \frac{1}{9}), but the approximation is really quite mediocre with so few terms.
 
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  • #32
Curious3141 said:
Perhaps you meant this: \pi = 4(1 - \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{5} - \frac{1}{7} + \frac{1}{9} - ...)

That ellipsis ('...') is all important.

Alternatively, you could've stated: \pi \approx 4(1 - \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{5} - \frac{1}{7} + \frac{1}{9}), but the approximation is really quite mediocre with so few terms.

Oops! What an embarrassing mistake on my part. Fixed my post.
 
  • #33
We have asked the OP repeatedly to clarify his ideas. He never clearly answered. And now he seems to be gone from this thread. Time to lock.
 

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