How can we use irrational numbers in math if we don’t know the full number?

Question

How can we use irrational numbers in math if we don’t know the full number?

In: 232

Answer 1

This may be on a bit of a tangent, but let’s take Pi in a more practical application.

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Now if we contextualise Pi being used on a large scale, where more decimals become important.

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Using only 37 digits, we can very precisely calculate the circumference of the visible universe. Not just accurately. But down to the size of a hydrogen atom. We could never really need more digits, and only 37 was used to get here.