As an irrational number, pi has an infinite number of digits. What is the best approximation of pi? One obvious approach is to use a floating number with increasingly more digits. while another approach is to use a fraction. Python is well suited to investigate the latter and could show Zu's ratio, 355/113, to be a best approximation of pi.
A) An important irrational number, pi; B) What is the best approximation of pi? Two approaches; C) Approach 1. Use a floating number with increasingly more digits: the current world record; D) Approach 2. Use a fraction. Python is well suited to investigate this; E) Code investigating appraoch 2 and resulting plots, with a couple of python features utilized; F) Zu's ratio, 355/113, is a best approximation of pi: zu_pi = 355./113.; G) Notable exception: NASA and peer institutions.