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Single Idea 9648

[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 3. Nature of Numbers / n. Pi ]

Full Idea

The number π is not only irrational, but it is also (unlike √2) a 'transcendental' number, because it is not the solution of an algebraic equation.

Gist of Idea

π is a 'transcendental' number, because it is not the solution of an equation

Source

James Robert Brown (Philosophy of Mathematics [1999], Ch.10)

Book Ref

Brown,James Robert: 'Philosophy of Mathematics' [Routledge 2002], p.164

A Reaction

So is that a superficial property, or a profound one? Answers on a post card.

The 2 ideas with the same theme [ratio of circumference to diameter of a circle]:

17914 He made a molten sea, which was ten cubits across, and thirty cubits round the edge [Anon (Kings)]
9648 π is a 'transcendental' number, because it is not the solution of an equation [Brown,JR]