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Expert: Robi Bhattacharjee - 11/19/2008


Question
Hi,

I read that pi is an irrational number (number whose digits are never ending). I was wonder how is that possible? The circumference of circle must be of finite length as every measurement we make should be finite. So how can pi be irrational?

Regards

Answer
Hello Nain,

Good question. The reason that it is possible is because being irrational does NOT mean that it is infinite. The real definition of an irrational number is a number that cannot be expressed as a fraction. For example, 1/2 would be rational since it can be expressed as a fraction namely 1 / 2, but sqrt(2) cannot be expressed as a fraction and is therefore irrational. Now when someone says pi is irrational, it simply means that pi is not a fraction.




I hope this helped,
Robi  

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Robi Bhattacharjee

Expertise

I can answer a variety of questions on mathematics. Questions on trigonometry, calculus(preferably single variable), algebra, geometry, and number theory will be answered. I cannot answer questions on abstract branches of mathematics such as group theory. I also cannot answer questions on statistics. In number theory, I can answer questions on congruences, prime numbers, units, functions, and the riemann-zeta function.

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I have studied advanced math my entire life. I started calculus in sixth grade. I have attended numerous math competitions and I am attending math organizations such as the San-Diego math circle. Also, this year I have been invited to the USAMO which is a prestigious math competition (Every year the USAMO invites 500 students from across the USA to participate in this competition. The top 6 go to represent the USA in the International Math Olympiad).

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I am in the San Diego Math Circle

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I am entering high school and have received a perfect score and the STAR test 5 times in a row. I also have gotten recognitions in the AMC 10, AIME, Math Counts, and ARML. Additionally, I have won the San Diego Math Olimpiad twice in a row.

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