π (Pi)
Definition
Pi (π) is an irrational number approximately equal to 3.14159... It represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter and appears frequently in mathematical formulas involving circles and trigonometry.
Analogy
Think of π as your favorite pizza slice! Just like you can divide up any pizza into equal slices, no matter how big or small it is, π helps us calculate things related to circles, like finding their areas or circumferences.
Related terms
Circumference: The circumference of a circle is the distance around its outer edge. It can be calculated using π multiplied by twice its radius (C = 2πr) or using π multiplied by its diameter (C = πd).
Area: The area of a circle is the amount of space enclosed by its boundary. It can be calculated using π multiplied by the square of its radius (A = πr^2).
Trigonometry: Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between angles and sides in triangles. It heavily relies on ratios involving π, such as sine, cosine, and tangent.
"π (Pi)" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Additional resources (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.