Pi Symbol

π Pi is most used in Mathematics. It is used to represent the ratio of circumference of the circle with its diameter. It is represented as ∏ (uppercase) and π (lowercase).

It is derived from the Greek word named Perimetros, its meaning is circumference.

It is otherwise known as ‘Archimedes Constant’. It is named after the Greek Mathematician, whose name is also the same. He had derived an algorithm to calculate pi. This mathematician also invented an ancient type of irrigation pump named Archimedian screw.

Pi is called as irrational number. Irrational numbers can’t be expressed as fraction of any integers. These numbers have decimal expansion that neither become periodic nor terminate. Hence irrational numbers are transcendental numbers. Even Pi is a transcendental number.

Formula of Pi

Pi (∏) = circumference of a circlediameter of a circle

The value of Pi for any matter, is always 3.141592+

The magic about Pi is its value is always 3.141592+, be it any size of a circle. The value remains the same, irrespective of whether the circle is big or small.

Origin of Pi

The usage of Pi starts from the Babylonians period, about 4000 years ago. It was then, used to calculate the area of the circle. Approximate value of 3 times the radius of the circle was used then, which resulted in the value 3. During the 1650 period, as mentioned in Rhind Papyrus, the Egyptian Mathematician approximated the value to 3.1605.

During the 287 – 212, Archimedes, a Greek mathematician found a unique approach to approximate pi. They used the areas of 2 polygons. In order to visualise, a polygon was drawn, which had so many sides, which resulted in a circle. A circle can be obtained, by forming right triangles, within the polygons. The area of a polygon can be obtained, by using the Pythagorean theorem to measure the side of the lengths, then calculating the area of each triangle and then summing up.

The most important concept is that more sides of the polygon can form a circle.

The above approach was used by Archimedes to determine the area of the circle, which can be formed, between 2 polygons – one being smaller than the other. He then derived the value of pi to be in between 227 and 247.

Even before the pi symbol could be used, pi was said to define the circumference and other descriptions, when the diameter is multiplied by it.

During 1700 period, Euler who was a Swiss Mathematician and a physicist confirmed the usage of Greek lowercase letter ∏ (pi).

How to use the Pi symbol?

Pi (∏) is mainly used in Mathematics. It is also used in quantum physics, construction and building, air travel, space flight, music theory, communications, medical procedures, and the list goes on.

In ancient times, scientists used Pi in physics, while using quantum mechanics for comparing the energy levels of hydrogen atoms.

Pi is also used in music. The melody relates to the digits in Pi. In the piano, there are 12 notes for each octave and not 10, hence the composer preferred to use Pi in base 12. So, each note got its own digit. The harmony and rhythm were chosen by the composer.

Pi is used in many mathematical problems, which include area of ellipses, other curved surfaces and sectors. It is also used in measuring the length of the arc or other curves. It is also used for the measurement of the volume of solids. In Physics, it is used to express alternating electric currents, motion of pendulums and vibration of strings.

Using Pi, circumference, radius and diameter can be calculated

π = circumferencediameter

Using this formula, we can calculate.

Example 1: Johnny walks around a circle, having a diameter of 50 m. Can you tell me how far has he walked?

Circumference = π * diameters

= 3.14 * 50

= 157

Hence, Johnny has walked 157 m.

Example 2: Jim measured 100 mm around the outside of a pipe. What is the diameter?

Diameter = circumferenceπ

= 100 * 3.14

314 mm

Hence, the diameter of the pipe is 314 mm.

As radius is half of diameter, the radius value is 314/2 = 157

How to type Pi symbol on PC Windows, Mac, phone, word, excel and powerpoint

Nowadays, calculations can be performed in almost all devices for ease.

On PC Windows
On a personal computer, keep pressing Alt key and type numerals 227, which is at the right side of the keyboard, in order to get Pi symbol.
On Macbook
On a Macbook, Pi symbol can be obtained, by pressing the option key and letter Z.
On Android Phone
On an Android phone, Pi symbol can be obtained by pressing ?123key. Then press =< key. Pi sign would be in the first row.
In Microsoft Word, Excel And Powerpoint
- Open the document you want to insert.
- Place the cursor where the Pi sign is to be used.
- Click on Insert tab from the top menu.
- Click on Symbol.
- Then click on More Symbols.
- For the field Subset select ‘Greek and Coptic’.
- Pi symbol would be available. Select it.
- Click on Insert button.

Codes of Pi symbol

There are different codes for Pi symbols by which the computer takes no time to understand what we want to type in ratio sign. In computer, character encoding standards are there that help in the association of different codes with a variety of signs. The is given below :

Unicode

U+03C0

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Alt Code

ALT 227

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ASCII Code

227

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Hex Code

& #x3c0;

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HTML Code

& #x03C0;

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CSS Code

\213C

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HTML Entity

& pi;

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Frequently asked questions of Pi symbol

There are couple of question people often ask about or post on different websites. Sometimes, they confuse a lot and make blunders by intermixing the different things unintentionally. Here, all your queries will be resolved. Let’s get straight into it.

1. Why is Pi so important?
Pi is defined as the ratio of circumference of a circle to the diameter of the same circle. Pi is actually an irrational number, as its exact value is not known.
2. Name few interesting facts about Pi?
Following are few facts:
1. In many movies and books, Pi has a bit part.
2. Pi is encompassing.
3. When Pi is calculated using a computer, it has more than trillion digits.
4. Most of the scientist needs only dozen more decimal places.
5. Pi is ancient.
3. Is there any other number like Pi?
There is a number called Euler’s number. It is represented as ‘e’. It is also an irrational number.
4. Is Pi used only in circles?
Pi is calculated as the ratio of the circumference of the circle to its diameter. In this case, the size of the circle doesn’t matter.
5. Who invented Pi?
The calculation of Pi was first invented by the famous mathematician, Archimedes of Syracuse, during 287 – 212 BC.

Conclusion

This article explains about the Pi (π) symbol in a detailed manner. Hope the reader finds this article interesting.