The number Pi (approximately 3.14159) is defined to be the ratio C/d of the circumference (C) to the diameter (d) of any given circle. In particular, Pi measures the circumference of a circle of diameter d = 1. Historically, the Greek mathematician Archimedes found good approximations for Pi by inscribing and circumscribing many-sided polygons…

One of the best known numbers in mathematics is the number denoted by the symbol [pi]. This column describes activities that teachers can utilize to encourage students to explore the use of [pi] in one of the simplest of geometric figures: the circle.

Employs statistical tools to determine whether the digits of Pi are pseudorandom. Discusses the difficulties in answering this question. (Author/NB)

Describes an activity in which students develop a conceptual understanding of the formulas of the circumference and area of a circle by exploring pi. (YDS)

Argues that by celebrating the number pi with special mathematical activities we may be teaching the fundamental concept of the place-value structure of our decimal place system. Includes several examples to illustrate the argument. (MM)

Describes a classroom inquiry into expressing the number pi as the limit of a sequence of different ratios using relationships among coins and the radius of an inscribed circle. (KHR)

Several Excel applications are presented which are part of the syllabus in the first semester of engineering studies at Haugesund College. The aim of the applications is for the students to acquire both computing skills and mathematical understanding at the same time. The applications cover numerical solution of equations, differentiation,…

Illustrates a way in which students can estimate the ratio of an area of a circle using the radius square. Discusses why the same value of pi appears in both the formulas for the circumference and the area of the circle. (YDS)

Discusses the geometric and mathematical features of the pyramids in Cairo. Describes the relationship between the great pyramid and Pi. (ASK)

Provides information about mathematician Jamshid al-Kashi and his work on calculating mathematical values such Pi or Sin(1). (ASK)

Demonstrates some of the usefulness of number theory to students on the high school setting in four areas: Fibonacci numbers, Diophantine equations, continued fractions, and algorithms for computing pi. (ASK)

Presented with appropriate formulas and illustrations are five lessons suitable for college mathematics undergraduate students, including Pi and the limit of (sin alpha)/alpha, the structure of orthogonal transformations, a simple proof of Zorn's Lemma, the converse of Liouville's Theorem, and visualizing the p-adic integers. (JJK)

Techniques for estimating pi using the microcomputer are demonstrated. Four BASIC programs, coded from pi generating formulas, are compared for efficiency. (PK)

One schools' experiences with mathematics contests are described, with American Pi, the Great Calculator Contest, and the Forest View Math Olympics in problem solving each detailed. (MNS)

Diagrams that aid in relating the golden ratio to pi are discussed, with the theorem and its proof. (MNS)