On Wed, 9 Feb 2000 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Hi, I have been considering the possible role pi might play in the
> progression of mersennes. It is generally accepted that the value of pi is
> a never ending series.
>
> But when I look at the circle, the formula for the area of a circle with a
> radius of 6 inches is: A=pi*r^2 = 3.1416 * (6)^2 = 113.0976.
>
> We did not, however, use the full and correct expansion of pi in the
> calculation.
>
> Pi has been figured out to over a billion (not sure of the exact figure)
> digits with no apparent end or pattern.
>
> But when I look at a circle I see a finite area within the circle with no
> means of growing or escape. Logic seems to indicate that pi would have to
> be a finite exact value since the area in the circle is finite.
Yep you're actually right, pi has a finite exact value.
The problem isn't that Pi isn't finite, it's less than 4 so it's finite.
The problem isn't that it isn't exact.
The problem is that it can't be represented exactly in decimals which mens
that when we write the expansion, we'll always have to make do with an
approximation to the exact value.
> So, either the figure for pi is in error (not likely) or pi has a end.
Any decimal representation of pi is in error, since it can only be an
approximation.
> The end.
> What say ye?
> Dan
I think where your argument slips is in confusing the number for it's
representation, ie. how it's written.
These are two different concepts, and confusing them leads to argumenting
from false analogies.
--
Henrik Olsen, Dawn Solutions I/S URL=http://www.iaeste.dk/~henrik/
Linux isn't at war. War involves large numbers of people making losing
decisions that harm each other in a vain attempt to lose last.
Linux is about winning. Alan Cox on linux-kernel
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