Pi Experiments Calculator

Calculate π using historical methods and fun experiments

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Historical π Approximations

Archimedes
22/7 ≈ 3.142857
Error: 0.040%
Babylonian
π ≈ 3
Error: 4.507%
Egyptian
(16/9)² ≈ 3.160494
Error: 0.602%
Chinese
355/113 ≈ 3.141593 (Milü)
Error: 0.000%
Indian
3927/1250 ≈ 3.1416
Error: 0.000%

π Facts

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π is irrational - its decimal never repeats

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π appears in probability, not just geometry

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March 14 (3/14) is celebrated as Pi Day

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July 22 (22/7) is Pi Approximation Day

Understanding Pi Experiments

What is π (Pi)?

Pi (π) is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. This ratio is the same for all circles, making π a mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14159.

Why These Experiments?

Historical: These methods were used by ancient mathematicians

Educational: They demonstrate mathematical principles

Practical: You can do them with everyday objects

Experiment Methods

Circular Objects: Direct application of π = C/d

Archimedes Method: Rearranging circle pieces into rectangle

Buffon's Needle: Uses probability and statistics

Pendulum: Physics-based using pendulum period formula

Leibniz Series: Pure mathematical infinite series

Improving Accuracy

Measurement Tips

  • • Use precise measuring tools
  • • Take multiple measurements and average
  • • Use larger objects when possible
  • • Minimize measurement errors

Statistical Methods

  • • Increase sample size (more throws/measurements)
  • • Repeat experiments multiple times
  • • Use proper random sampling
  • • Calculate confidence intervals