E.g. how can we say that a circle has an area of 25.00cm^2 if pi is irrational?? How can a circle, a closed shape, have a limited area if pi is unlimited??
In: Mathematics
Even if we were to construct a universe-sized circle out of subatomic particles, there would still be inconceivably small imperfections. This is why pi is irrational, because we’re trying to use math to describe a perfect circle, but there’s no such thing.
As we continue to calculate pi into infinitesimal amounts of digits, all we’re really doing is creating units of measure far beyond the scope of known existence. We can’t even observe anything small enough at this time to make use of the most accurate calculations of pi that we have. The endless nature of pi doesn’t mean a circle has no limit, but that our ability to calculate that limit is flawed.
Your question is like asking how can an ocean dry up if there is still a single water molecule lodged in a microfissure in a grain of sand. At a certain point, it just isn’t practical to care about it anymore.
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