this post was submitted on 01 Oct 2023
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Science Memes

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PI is what (i.imgur.com)
submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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[–] [email protected] -4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

So? You think you'll get the correct result by using 3? Or 3.14? Not quite. You can only get infinitesimally close to the correct result by increasing digits of pi.

And of course, if you really need that circumference for something critical, guess what? You use the things people developed for this very problem, software packages, and so on. And of course, you get it double checked, triple checked.

If it's assume pi is 5, it's not misinformation. If they point guns at kids and say it's 5 for real, then yes.

[–] LemmysMum 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Or you could just use 3.14 which is infinitesimally more correct than 5, not lie about the number and aim for correctness and accuracy so people learn how to do things right the first time.

If you can't handle a few decimal points then you aren't ready for pi, go back to third grade.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I don't think you understand what infinitesimally means! It means the opposite- you want to use 'infinitely' there. Because you're kinda agreeing with me otherwise xD

Now, not being a condescending asshole, I really take issue with you calling an approximation a 'lie'. And honestly, who's multiplying decimal points mentally? That's difficult. Use a calculator. Want to avoid calculators for an exam? Simplify! That's why they use 5 and not 3.14.

[–] LemmysMum 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

infinitesimally

I was typing in a rush and mistyped, but you understand what I meant.

Simplify! That's why they use 5 and not 3.14.

That's a bullshit excuse. 3 could be argued but 5 is straight disinformation. And I do multiplication of decimals in my head because I was taught how to in school, that's how far behind the US system is.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's impressive. Mental math isn't one of my talents to be honest. And let's agree to disagree about the disinformation.

[–] LemmysMum 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

It's a skill like any other, you have to be taught it to learn it, and you need practice to get better.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Lots of skills in the world, some more useful than others.

[–] LemmysMum 1 points 1 year ago

I find the basic building blocks of comprehension to be important.