xkcd: Coordinate Precision but pi (π)?
I tried looking for some answer but found mostly
- People reciting pi
- People teaching how to memorize pi
- How to calculate pi using different formula
- How many digits NASA uses
Update question to be more specific
In case someone see this later, what is the most advanced object you can build or perform its task, with different length of pi?
0, 3 => you can’t make a full circle
1, 3.1 => very wobbly circle
2, 3.14 => perfect hole on a beach
3, 3.142 => ??
4, 3.1416 => ??
5, 3.14159 => ??
Old question below
In practice, the majority of people will never require any extra digit past 3.14. Some engineering may go to 3.1416. And unless you are doing space stuff 3.14159 is probably more than sufficient.
But at which point do a situation require extra digit?
From 3 to 3.1 to 3.14 and so on.My non-existing rubber duck told me I can just plug these into a graphing calculator. facepalm
y=(2πx−(2·3.14x))
y=abs(2πx−(2·3.142x))
y=abs(2πx−(2·3.1416x))
y=(2πx−(2·3.14159x))
Got adequate answer from @dual_sport_dork and @howrar
Any extra example of big object and its minimum pi approximation still welcome.
Accurate(closer to the real answer), is not equal to precise(consistent measurements). I think… right?
Yes. I had a science teacher devote a significant portion of a day’s lecture to that exact subject: the difference between accuracy and precision. You got it right.
For example, if you have a digital scale that displays weight to five decimal points, it’s precise. If that scale hasn’t been properly calibrated, though, it will give you a very precise number that isn’t accurate.
A sniper rifle is more precise than a sawed-off shotgun, but how accurate it is depends on you.