Naked Science Forum
On the Lighter Side => New Theories => Topic started by: Alan McDougall on 27/08/2008 13:33:51
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Assuming we existed in another universe with different universal constants where the Pi equaled exactly 3 instead of its value in our universe?
How do you think it will effect our reality>
Regards
Alan
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Alan, you really do pick 'em.
Pi wouldn't be pi then, would it?
There's a lot more to pi than the simple ratio of circumference to diameter of a circle. If we lived on a very small globe and were actually drawing circles on the surface then the ratio wouldn't be pi. But pi would still be pi.
Pi comes from Maths - along with a load of other transcendental numbers. It's a constant which comes out of many integrals. It's not really a 'Universal Constant' like G, h or k. It's a product of Maths and can't be 'measured' as such. Whatever geometry your 'space' had, you would still get pi from the Maths.
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Sophie
I know I know, maths is maths, I know Pi is not a contant but a mathematical reality. As an Engineer it would help a little if Pi were 3 as one could simple use the radius to divide a flange into 6 for drilling holes etc etc..
If we assumed, "I know" "I know stupidly" that Pi were 3. instead of 3.14285.....................................?
What would the effect be on the orbits of planets. Considerable it this impossibly were possible.
This is really just tongue in cheek {grin}
Regards
Alan
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And what if e were 2? Things would grow all funny.
And if root 2 was 1.5 etc.
Sounds like a novel sort of horror (Kafka-esque) story.
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OK sophie I was just being silly, but you know Einstein rightly said under certain circumstances 2+ 2 could equal 2,3,4 or even 5