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by The Hammer on December 23rd, 2005

The Hammer

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What is the secret behind pi?

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  • by zeropointburn on December 31st, 2005

    zeropointburn

    Let's start with some properties of pi... First off, it's an irrational number, meaning basically that it cannot be represented by any fraction. Second, it's a transcendental number. That's a bit more complicated, but it means that pi is not the root of any algebraic equation. That means that pi cannot be derived through algebra, merely approximated. Pi was the second number proven trancendental (Lindemann, 1882), the first being the natural log, e (Hermite, 1873). Third, the known digits of pi never repeat, and are statistically random. That means that there are about as many 1's as 7's, and so on. Fourth, because pi represents a relationship between linear and curved structures (C=pi*r^2), it occurs with remarkable frequency in various fields such as engineering, biology, physics, etc. (as jalex pointed out); pretty much anytime you compare a line and a curve, pi is there. For more on transcendental numbers, see: http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/pickover/trans.html or google "transcendental number". There are some interesting identities involving pi, e, and other common transcendentals.

    As far as secrets are concerned, there aren't any deliberate mathematical or scientific secrets regarding pi. There are, however, secrets related to mystical or religious beliefs venerating pi and other interesting numbers. Perhaps the most interesting body of mystical work is the Quabbalah (K if you prefer), along with the rest of Jewish mystic numerology. Pi's importance there is that it cannot be explained, derived, or manipulated by the rules of Gematria. As such, it represents an essential component of reality which that tradition was not equipped to handle. A similar problem is encountered by any numerological system that does not already include transcendental numbers. That kind of gap is a problem that most traditions keep secret. Given that I'm not a member of any interesting mystical groups, I wouldn't know what any other secrets might be, and anyone that does is specifically forbidden from revealing them. If someone does, let the world know.

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