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Fundamental sounds like a value judgment. Pi is transcendental. 2 isn't. That's really the distinction. Unless there were other finite factors in pi, that is th
by garbagecoder 3y ago
Fundamental sounds like a value judgment. Pi is transcendental. 2 isn't. That's really the distinction. Unless there were other finite factors in pi, that is the number that's always going to have to be approximated in computation.
- ohwellhere 3y ago"Tau is transcendental. 0.5 isn't." It's definitely a value judgment. But the value judgment is: Is the radius or the diameter more fundamental to a circle?
- BlueTemplar 3y agoAs the Tau manifesto points out, tau/4 = pi/2 = lambda is pretty fundamental too ! (The "orthogonality constant" ?)
- garbagecoder 3y agoGeometry isn't the only application of pi. Nor is the geometric interpretation the only way to determine what is "fundamental." Why not use Darians? http://proper-pi-manifesto.com http://proper-pi-manifesto.com
- bmacho 3y agoFundamental sounds meaningless to me. Talking about statements and words with meaning I am sure, that Tau is the more useful circle constant out of these two: less symbols, conceptually clearer equations. Also turn is generally a more useful measurement unit for angle than radian or degree, but radian has its own merits, and not disposable, unlike pi.