The number pi

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History of pi computation

The number pi.

This is my diploma project from the Natural Science Programme at Rudbecksgymnasiet.

Abstract

In this work I make an analysis over the history regarding the computation of the mathematical constant π. Important breakthroughs regarding mathematical proofs and methods for approximating pi are discussed in a chronological order as we progress through the timeline. The records over total accurately computed decimals has been investigated all the way from ancient Egyptian guesses to the current world record of 314 trillion decimals, as well as how they were done. Other more trivial and relatively inefficient methods are later also mentioned and explained for a wider understanding. Lastly some minor explanations over
the usage of pi in more practical situations will be done as well. I have also conveyed my own experiments on one of the more trivial methods for pi-approximation and managed to calculate the constant down to the precision of 4 decimals.

Link to the pdf. In Swedish.

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