Pi a number that is often memorized for the use in mathematical calculations. Have students learn the concept of pi and not simply memorize it.
What is Pi ?
Pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi is always the same number, no matter which circle you use to compute it. Often pi is approximated to 3.14 in school and 3.14159 for professional uses. Pi can never be fully known. There are a variety of websites that have pi to over 100 000 digits. It is said there is over 5 billion digits for pi.
Pi is an interesting number that is important for a variety of mathematical calculations. Students and professionals need pi when working with circles, arcs, and pendulums. Before you tell students the number that represents pi, have them figure it out themselves. The key for students is pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter (circumference/diameter).
Calculating Pi
Divide students into groups of four of five and model how to calculate pi. Give each student a coffee lid and a piece of string. Have students measure the diameter of the coffee lid and cut the string to the desired length. Students will measure the string with the ruler and record the diameter of the coffee cup lid. Students will use the precut string and identify how many times the string goes around the circumference of the lid. The student will record the number and calculate pi by dividing the circumference by its diameter. Students will use a calculator to compute the answer.
After the students obtain the answer with the teacher, the teacher will give each group different size circles and ask if pi will be the same for all the circles. The teacher tells the students they must prove their answer. Students will follow the same procedure as with the coffee lid. After students present their answers they will learn pi is the same no matter the size of the circle. Students are active in the answer and they will never forget pi. If they are writing a test they can quickly compute pi for their calculations.
Celebrate Pi Day on March 14 (3/14)
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