Recall, π is defined as the ratio of the circumference (say c) of a circle to its diameter (say d). That is, $\pi=\frac{c}{d}$. This seems to contradict the fact that π is irrational. How will you resolve this contradiction?

Solution:

There is no contradiction. When we measure a length with scale or any other instrument, we only obtain an approximate rational value. We never obtain an exact value. For this reason, we may not realise that either $c$ or $d$ is irrational. Therefore, the fraction $\frac{c}{d}$ is irrational. Hence, $\pi$ is irrational.

Leave a comment