Who First Calculated Pi? The Ancient Greek Mathematician's Method Explained

Discover how Archimedes calculated pi in ancient Greece using polygons. Explore the history behind this fundamental constant.

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Pi was first calculated by the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes around 250 BCE. He used a method involving the perimeters of polygons to approximate the value of pi between 3 1/7 and 3 10/71.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the value of pi? Pi is approximately equal to 3.14159, but it is an irrational number that cannot be expressed exactly as a simple fraction.
  2. Why is pi important in mathematics? Pi is crucial in geometry, particularly in calculations involving circles, as it relates the circumference to the diameter.
  3. What methods did Archimedes use to calculate pi? Archimedes used a method of inscribing and circumscribing polygons to approximate pi, refining his calculations between 3 1/7 and 3 10/71.
  4. When was pi first calculated? Pi was first calculated around 250 BCE by Archimedes, marking a significant achievement in ancient mathematics.