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Visualizing π
Here is a small project that helps us understand the origin of π.
Items needed
Compass, cardboard, string, Scotch tape, scissors, ruler
Construction Steps
1. Open a compass to three (3) inches wide between pointers.
2. Draw a circle of diameter six (6) inches on a piece of cardboard and cut it out.
3. Wrap a piece of string on the edge of the circle counterclockwise from (1, 0) for one full turn.
4. Take the string off and measure its length L with a ruler.
Computations
1. Circumference of the circle = L
2. Now, compute the following ratio:
3. This is a rough estimate of the value of π.
Submission
1. Tape the string onto the edge of the circle.
2. On the circle, write down the measurement of L and the value of the ratio computed above.
3. Write your name on the circle before submission.
Observation
Once upon a time, folks in the ancient world guessed that the ratio computed above would be the same regardless of the size of a circle.
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Disclaimer • Updated September 4, 2008
Email: mitsuma@kutztown.edu
Phone: +1 (610) 462-WPJW
Phone: +1 (610) 462-WPJW