Changes

Papyrys of Ahmes, dated c. 1650 B.C.E. shows that ancient Egyptians had value 3 1/6 = 3.166666667, which is significantly closer to biblical value. Same goes with Babylonian value for <big><math>\pi</math></big> 3 1/8 = 3.125(Boyer, A History of Mathematics, 2nd Edition).

Papyrys of Ahmes, dated c. 1650 B.C.E. shows that ancient Egyptians had value 3 1/6 = 3.166666667, which is significantly closer to biblical value. Same goes with Babylonian value for <big><math>\pi</math></big> 3 1/8 = 3.125(Boyer, A History of Mathematics, 2nd Edition).

Memorizing <big><math>\pi</math></big> is a challenge that appeals to some people. Mnemonics have been devised. Counting the letters in the phrase "Now I want a drink&mdash;alcoholic, of course" gives <big><math>\pi</math></big> to seven places (which is more than enough for all ordinary purposes). Numerous other mnemonics of this kind have been devised; in 1995, Michael Keith wrote one entitled [[http://users.aol.com/s6sj7gt/mikerav.htm Near a Raven]] which simultaneously parodies [[Edgar Allen Poe]]'s poem ''The Raven,'' while encoding <big><math>\pi</math></big> to 740 places.

Memorizing <big><math>\pi</math></big> is a challenge that appeals to some people. Mnemonics have been devised. Counting the letters in the phrase "Now I want a drink&mdash;alcoholic, of course" gives <big><math>\pi</math></big> to seven places (which is more than enough for all ordinary purposes). Numerous other mnemonics of this kind have been devised; in 1995, Michael Keith wrote one entitled [http://users.aol.com/s6sj7gt/mikerav.htm Near a Raven] which simultaneously parodies [[Edgar Allen Poe]]'s poem ''The Raven,'' while encoding <big><math>\pi</math></big> to 740 places.

[[Category:Mathematics]]

[[Category:Mathematics]]