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From: Loyd <firstname.lastname@example.org> To: Teacher2Teacher Public Discussion Date: 2003112616:20:07 Subject: Early Egyptian formula for circle. In book, "Outline of History" vol 1, the formula is given as (8/9 diameter)^2 If you change it to (16/9 radius)^2 you would get: 3.160493827 r^2 Thus, the estimate for pi is 3.160493827. Not bad since this is only about a one percent error. The Eqyptians found the volume of their graineries by multiplying the area of the circular base by the height. Thus they got the volume of a cylinder to an accuracy "Good enough for dynasty work."
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