Date of Award
5-1936
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
First Advisor
R. A. Smith
Keywords
Pi.
Abstract
The objective of this thesis is to present information concerning the number π that would be of most interest to the students and teachers of elementery geometry, For this reason, emphasis is placed on the history of the approximations of π, with a minimum reference to the relation between π and e and the transceendental character of each number.
A brief history of the empirical value used in ancient times is followed by am outline of the method of exhasustions used by Archimedes in the first really scientific approach to the subject. Refinements in achimeded' method lead up to the newer method of analysis made possible be the discovery of infinite series and products culminating in the calculation of π to 707 places be W. Shanks in 1873.
The closing section presents π as one of the fundamental constants of statistics.
Recommended Citation
Fintel, Anna Cecelia, "The number [pi]" (1936). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 813.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/813
