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

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We work out the following integral:
We work out the following integral:
:<math>
:<math>
I \equiv \int_0^1 \frac{t^4(1-t)^4}{1+t^2} \, \mathrm{d}t
I \equiv \int_0^1 \frac{t^4(1-t)^4}{1+t^2} \, \mathrm{d}t \qquad\qquad\qquad(1)
</math>
</math>
It is possible to divide polynomials in a manner that is analogous to long division of decimal numbers. By doing this it, can be shown that
It is possible to divide polynomials in a manner that is analogous to long division of decimal numbers. By doing this it, can be shown that
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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 integral <math>I\,</math> is positive. Finally,
Hence
:<math> I = \frac{22}{7} - \pi
</math>
The integrand (expression under the integral) of the integral  in equation (1) 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 <math>I\,</math> is positive. Finally,
:<math>
:<math>
0 < I = \frac{22}{7} - \pi  \quad \Longrightarrow \quad \frac{22}{7} > \pi  
\frac{22}{7} -\pi > 0 \quad \Longrightarrow \quad \frac{22}{7} > \pi  
</math>
</math>
which was to be proved.
which was to be proved.

Latest revision as of 15:08, 8 December 2009


We work out the following integral:

It is possible to divide polynomials in a manner that is analogous to long division of decimal numbers. By doing this it, can be shown that

where −4 is the remainder of the polynomial division.

Using:

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

The following holds

The latter integral is easily evaluated by making the substitution

Hence

The integrand (expression under the integral) of the integral in equation (1) 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 is positive. Finally,

which was to be proved.