A Pi-finder is a piece of software that calculates the number of pi. Most people are familiar with pi thanks to math classes in school, where it is used to calculate the circumference of a circle and various other geometrical operations. Pi is defined as the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter and is usually rounded to 3.14. Pi is used in many computer applications from gaming to memory, and from designs to physics applications. Most often it is used to test a computer's memory and processor for speed and accuracy.
A computer is set up to execute an equation pertaining to pi; typically the equation or program instructs the computer to calculate pi. Pi has long been regarded as an irrational number, meaning it has an infinite number of decimal places. Recently, pi has been determined to have 1.3511 trillion decimal places and is in fact not irrational. This sent ripples of amazement through the mathematics, science and physics world and astounded novices and experts alike.
These calculations are usually performed through the use of the C programming language, but can be calculated using other languages. Many experts and students still calculate to verify other calculations to be as accurate as possible. The calculation of pi is an integral part of any math major in college and for computer engineers and programmers, especially if they deal with the functioning of memory and the transfer of data. Pi, although now determined to have an ending digit, will forever mystify mathemeticians, students and professionals alike.
LINKS:
A Book Entitled "The History of Pi"
Math Doctor - How to Calculate Pi
An Abstract on Pi Calculations
Using Pi in Computer Compression