PI

[cabernet]

Why is PI approximately 3.14 and not 3 or 4 or any whole number. Most of the universe is made up of objects based on spheres with PI=3.14. If PI was say 3 that would surely take geometry into another dimension ??.

[beso]

There are a number of remarkable coincidences in maths.
My favourite is:

e^(π√163)
This number is almost an integer to tweleve decimal places.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almost_integer

This site goes into it much further and explains why.
http://mathworld.wolf...om/AlmostInteger.html

[jomifl]

numbers are just an abstract concept devised by the human brain to help get a grip on our environment. For example you may say you have 2 pencils, but really you only have 1 of each object that you classify as a pencil as they are not identical and never can be. Where you draw the distinction between what is a pencil and what isn't is subjective, does it look like a pencil or does it behave like a pencil or did somebody tell you it is a pencil. When you start looking in detail at real things even integers start to get a bit fuzzy. Don't take anything for granted. Question everything, that is how the biggest discoveries are made.

[jomifl]

Re. the golden section,G spot etc. It can be if you want it to be badly enough, what do mean by 'near' and 'just off' ? It's all relative and a matter of opinion so as long as you know what an M6 is go and have a look. you won't regret it, miracles can happen (once you have defined what a miracle is...or may be..perhaps)

[igtretd]

I remember my amazement when I first came across e^iπ = -1

[rov1200]

Any student of pure mathematics will realise the extent of pi an e are used to solve equations where the numerical values are non existant.