"Art"
zilch.com> wrote in message
news:kmk4c49jrnt1ku0v97vj7q89v157f2sku2@4ax.com...> On Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:12:36 -0500, John J wrote:
>
>>Art wrote:
>>> On Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:48:58 -0500, John J wrote:
>>>
>>>> Art wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> 22/7 = 3.1428 ...
>>>>> pi = 3.1415 ....
>>>>>
>>>>> As you can see, they fail to be equal at only the third decimal place.
>
>>>> Question: how does the presumed precision of Pi (that is, Pi to 4
>>>> decimal places) function in terms of, say, machining some parts that
>>>> all
>>>> use Pi, for example a series of different sized wheels that must
>>>> interact to function properly as a machine? That is, if the largest
>>>> wheel is, say 100 times larger than the smallest, with n number of
>>>> wheels between, does choosing 22/7 over 3.1415 make a significant
>>>> difference? And if the wheels interacted as toothed gears, does that
>>>> change anything? (The later is clearly fractionalized.)
>>>
>>> Ok, so some clown comes along and claims that the magic number 3
>>> is the secret of the universe since it equals pi. You say that's close
>>> enough ... that's wonderful ... you've found the secret of the
>>> universe :)
>>>
>>> The point is that "equals" has mathematical (and logical) meaning,
>>> and since 22/7 <> pi the guy made a false statement. He didn't
>>> say "approximately equals" since he obviously enjoys deluding himself
>>> with a bunch of worthless numerical mumbo jumbo.
>>
>>You did not address my post. I don't know why you included it.
>
> And I don't know why you asked a question that obviously has as
> the only possible answer, "it depends". Whether or not fourth
> significant digit precision is important depends on details and
> requirements you did not specify. If a engineer is designing
> some inexpensive plastic toy having molded gears, great imprecision
> is both expected and quite tolerable. If a engineer is designing
> a computer, he/she will no doubt have as a goal computation
> precision far in excess of a mere four significant decimal digits.
> If a engineer is desgining a scientific instrument to be used
> for measurement purposes, he/she may require that the
> model shop and toolmaker go to extraordinary lengths to
> acheive precisions that exceed four decimal digit accuracy
> in the circumference of a disc used in the instrument.
>
> Art
>
http://home.ptd.net/~artnpeg
>
Yes, and if someone was instead of working on a highly precise tool, a more
symbolic theory ... such as ................
The General Theory of just about Everything centres on a familiar numerical
symbol: 22/7. This is Pi of course, a unique mathematical convention whose
discovery is generally attributed to the Greeks and which is most commonly
known today for its use in maths as a means of squaring the circle. More
importantly, however, Pi is, in fact, a symbolic embodiment of the two most
fundamental laws of nature, namely: the ubiquitous law of three forces,
(active-passive-neutral) and the lesser known but equally all-embracing law
of octaves. The law of three forces, as we shall see, is the absolute
mainstay of all creative processes; its influence manifests practically
everywhere. The second law, the law of octaves, tells us that all phenomena
generated by these three primordial forces are essentially musical
structures. To sensibly visualise this concept, we need to look at the
formula Pi when expressed musically.
.... then maybe 22/7 is quite appropriate, and accurate, as well as true [
to a point ]?
I don't care either way, really, but I respect the pov that M Hayes is
coming from. And simply take it as presented .... a symbolic form to
comprehend something greater, perhaps.
He may of course be off with the fairies. Each can decide that, and if Pi as
represented as 22/7 is a problem for anyone, then I accept that it is.
Doesn't really matter at the end of the day.
cheers sean
