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  Discussion about math, puzzles, games and fun.   Useful symbols: ÷ × ½ √ ∞ ≠ ≤ ≥ ≈ ⇒ ± ∈ Δ θ ∴ ∑ ∫ • π ƒ -¹ ² ³ °

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#1 Re: Help Me ! » Pi » 2006-10-03 01:55:25

Ricky wrote:

Remember that once you set the circumference of a circle, you aren't allowed to choose a radius.  So if you set a circumference to be rational, the radius will be irrational.  If you set the radius to be rational, the circumference will be irrational.

Being a ratio does not imply a ratio of integers.

I also have a hard time believing you have a BA in math without knowing this.  Did you ever study elementary real analysis?  Normally that includes at least some study of irrational numbers.

Thanks, I think that I had forgotten to think about the idea of a ratio not necessarily being integers. 

As for your comment about having a hrd time believing that I have BA in math without kowing that...well, all I can say to that, beside that I find it relatively offensive, is that this is a question that I started thinking about in the past few months and remember very little Real Analysis. Also, all of my core class were taken in two semesters because I switched my major last minutes, so I think it is fair that I have forgotten some concepts.

#2 Help Me ! » Pi » 2006-10-02 02:29:29

nhmathteacher
Replies: 29

I am feeling a little lost about pi.  I have been out of college for three years and have a BA in math, so it is silly that I am still trying to figure this out.


I have been told all of my life that pi is the ratio of the circumference to the diamer, and also that pi is irrational.

WELL...how can pi be a ratio and be irrational at the same time?  It makes no sense.

The only thing I have been able to figure is that it has something to do with the idea that a circle has no beginning or end and therefore cannot be measured to any exactness. 

Any other ideas???

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