mathematics

[nomad123]

How is the mathematical constant Pi written as a fraction

[kettledrum]

22/7

[cameo]

Apparently it can't!!
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi

[nomad123]

mmmm I have seen both answers before and am still no nearer. thanks anyway

[crofter]

Pi is an irrational number and therefore cannot be expressed (exactly) as the ratio of two integers. However, as pointed out by kettledrum, it is approximately equal to 22/7 and is often taken as such in simple problems.

In fact, 22/7 = 3.142857 ... (repeating forever this 6-digit sequence 142857) is only accurate to 2dp's.
In truth, pi = 3.1415926535...(with no repeated pattern)

A rational approximation which is better than 22/7 is given by 355/113 = 3.14159292 ... which is accurate to 6dp's.

Your question (as stated) may have several answers depending on the the depth to which you would like to probe.

[phizzy]

i wish i'd sat next to crofter at school - good on him

[nomad123]

crofter.....................you are my hero, although I am a little confused as to what to put for an answer lol.

[crofter]

I would answer "usually taken as 22/7 (approximately) but in fact pi has no exact fractional equivalent"