Pi (mathematical constant)/Proofs/Student level proof that 22 over 7 exceeds π: Difference between revisions

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imported>Paul Wormer
m (extra step to help the reader)
imported>Paul Wormer
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t = \tan(x) \,
t = \tan(x) \,
</math>
</math>
The integrand (expression under the integral) of the integral  ''I'' is everywhere positive on the integration interval [0, 1] and, remembering that an integral can be defined as a sum of integrand values,  it follows that
The integrand (expression under the integral) of the integral  ''I'' is everywhere positive on the integration interval [0, 1] and, remembering that an integral can be defined as a sum of integrand values,  it follows that the integral ''I'' is positive. Finally,
:<math>
:<math>
0 < I = \frac{22}{7} - \pi  \quad \Longrightarrow \quad \frac{22}{7} > \pi  
0 < I = \frac{22}{7} - \pi  \quad \Longrightarrow \quad \frac{22}{7} > \pi  
</math>
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which was to be proved.
which was to be proved.

Revision as of 20:56, 23 March 2009


We work out the following integral:

One can divide polynomials in a manner that is analogous to long division of decimal numbers. By polynomial division one shows that

where −4 is the remainder of the polynomial division.

One uses:

for n=6, 5, 4, 2, and 0 and one obtains

The following holds

The latter integral is easily evaluated by making the substitution

The integrand (expression under the integral) of the integral I is everywhere positive on the integration interval [0, 1] and, remembering that an integral can be defined as a sum of integrand values, it follows that the integral I is positive. Finally,

which was to be proved.