Pi Trivia Quiz
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Pi—is a symbol in mathematics that is written as the Greek letter for p or π. The approximate value of this important symbol in mathematics is 3.141592. Pi denotes the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Pi was found by Archimedes of Syracuse. It has its origin in ancient Babylonian civilization.
How well aware are you about this magical number? Play this exciting quiz to test your knowledge about Pi. This Pi trivia quiz is best played with friends and family for more adventure! Learning made easy and fun!
- 1.
Who, in 1706, first gave the Greek letter “pi” its current mathematical definition?
- A.
Albert Einstein
- B.
William Jones
- C.
Attila the Hun
- D.
Archimedes
- E.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Correct Answer
B. William JonesExplanation
William Jones is credited with giving the Greek letter "pi" its current mathematical definition. He introduced the symbol in 1706 to represent the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, a fundamental constant in mathematics. Albert Einstein, Attila the Hun, Archimedes, and Napoleon Bonaparte are not associated with giving "pi" its mathematical definition.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Pi is transcendental. What does this mean, in mathematics?
- A.
It is equal to the ratio of two integers
- B.
Its square root is imaginary
- C.
It cannot be expressed as an integer, or as a root or quotient of integers
- D.
It was Ralph Waldo Emerson’s favorite number.
Correct Answer
C. It cannot be expressed as an integer, or as a root or quotient of integersExplanation
The statement "Pi is transcendental" means that the number pi cannot be expressed as an integer or as a root or quotient of integers. In other words, it is not a rational number. Transcendental numbers are a special type of irrational numbers that cannot be the solution to any polynomial equation with integer coefficients. Pi is one of the most famous examples of a transcendental number.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is the earliest known reference to pi in history?
- A.
The Rosetta Stone, approx. 200 BC
- B.
The Bible
- C.
An Egyptian papyrus scroll, written approx. 1650 BC by Ahmes the Scribe
- D.
Euclid’s Elements, written in the 3rd century BC
Correct Answer
C. An Egyptian papyrus scroll, written approx. 1650 BC by Ahmes the ScribeExplanation
The earliest known reference to pi in history is an Egyptian papyrus scroll, written approximately 1650 BC by Ahmes the Scribe. This papyrus, known as the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, contains mathematical problems and solutions, including an approximation of pi. It shows that the ancient Egyptians had a basic understanding of the concept of pi and used it in their calculations. This predates other known references to pi, such as those found in the Bible or Euclid's Elements.Rate this question:
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- 4.
People tried for centuries to “square the circle”. What were they trying to do?
- A.
Construct a square that perfectly circumscribes (surrounds) a given circle
- B.
Determine the value of pi squared
- C.
Multiply a circle by itself
- D.
Use a straightedge and compass to construct a square exactly equal in area to a given circle
- E.
Alter a recipe intended for a round pan so that it would fit exactly into a square pan
Correct Answer
D. Use a straightedge and compass to construct a square exactly equal in area to a given circle -
- 5.
Some people became mentally deranged when trying to “square the circle”. What was this illness named?
- A.
Impossibilius Fittus
- B.
Morbus Cyclometricus
- C.
Repetitionatis Decimalus
Correct Answer
B. Morbus CyclometricusExplanation
Morbus Cyclometricus is the correct answer because it refers to the illness that some people developed when attempting to "square the circle." This term suggests that individuals became mentally deranged or obsessed with finding a solution to the mathematical problem of squaring the circle, which is impossible. The name Morbus Cyclometricus captures the idea of a condition related to circular calculations or geometry, reflecting the nature of the illness.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Are pi’s digits periodic? In other words, do the digits ever repeat themselves in any pattern?
- A.
Yes. The digits repeat themselves every 6,000,000 decimal places
- B.
No. Every periodic number is rational, but pi is irrational
- C.
Yes. Every infinitely long number repeats itself
- D.
Perhaps. Not enough digits of pi have been calculated to know yet
Correct Answer
B. No. Every periodic number is rational, but pi is irrationalExplanation
The explanation for the correct answer is that every periodic number is rational, meaning it can be expressed as a fraction. However, pi is known to be an irrational number, which means it cannot be expressed as a fraction and its decimal representation goes on infinitely without repeating in any pattern. Therefore, the digits of pi do not repeat themselves in any pattern, making the statement "No. Every periodic number is rational, but pi is irrational" the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Pi is an irrational number. What does that really mean?
- A.
Its digits cannot be rationed out evenly
- B.
Nobody with sound judgement has anything to do with it
- C.
It is a real number, but can’t be expressed as a ratio of two integers
Correct Answer
C. It is a real number, but can’t be expressed as a ratio of two integersExplanation
An irrational number is a real number that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. In other words, the decimal representation of an irrational number goes on forever without repeating and cannot be written as a fraction. Pi is a famous example of an irrational number, as its decimal representation (3.14159...) goes on infinitely without a pattern or repetition. Therefore, the correct answer states that pi is a real number but cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Among the digits of pi currently known, the concentration of each of the digits 0-9 are pretty close to equal. However, in the first 30 places of pi’s decimal expansion, which digit is completely missing?
- A.
7
- B.
2
- C.
0
- D.
8
Correct Answer
C. 0Explanation
In the first 30 places of pi's decimal expansion, the digit 0 is completely missing. This means that among the first 30 digits of pi, there is no occurrence of the digit 0.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the “formal” definition of pi?
- A.
The surface area of a sphere of diameter 22/7
- B.
3.1415926
- C.
The radius of a circle
- D.
A delicious dessert
- E.
The ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter
Correct Answer
E. The ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameterExplanation
The correct answer is "the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter." Pi is a mathematical constant that represents the relationship between a circle's circumference and its diameter. It is an irrational number, approximately equal to 3.1415926. The other options provided, such as the surface area of a sphere, the radius of a circle, and a delicious dessert, are not accurate definitions of pi.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Imagine if you wrapped a rope tightly around the earth at the equator. How much longer would you have to make the rope if you wanted it to be exactly one foot above the surface all the way around?
- A.
2 ∏ feet
- B.
2 ∏ r feet, where r is the radius of the earth
- C.
∏ r ^2 feet
Correct Answer
A. 2 ∏ feetExplanation
If you wrap a rope tightly around the Earth at the equator, the rope would already be exactly one foot above the surface all the way around. Therefore, you wouldn't have to make the rope any longer.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 28, 2014Quiz Created by
Vasilescu.irina
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