The symbol π — where does it come from?

Where does the symbol π come from?

In 1652, William Oughtred used π to refer to the periphery of a circle (in his expression, the ratio of circumference-to-diameter of a circle is π ⁄ δ, the latter referring to diameter).

In 1665, Jonh Wallis used a Hebrew letter mem(mem) to equal the ratio of one-quarter of circumference to diameter of a circle. (This letter plays the role as of “M” in Latin alphabets, but look how close its shape resembles a quarter of a circle, as well as the Greek letter pi !)

In 1705, William Johns used π to represent the ratio of circumference-to-diameter of a circle (believed to be first use with exactly same meaning as in today) .

From 1736, Leonard Euler, both famous and a prolific writer in mathematics works, spread the use of π in his publications.

Counting from the first relevant use, the symbol π has already had a history of more than 360 years!

On the Patterns (2)

On the Patterns

 

(2) Number Patterns * Numbers, Colours and Stars

 

Start by taking a look at the following chart.

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First, let us look up to the stars:

 

What pattern is followed for the placement of stars ?

Each number besides the star is increased by ____. (Fill in the blank)

 

Following this pattern, the three more numbers that are besides and that

comes after 58 are: __ , __ , and __.

 

Now go back to the chart, and let us look at the coloured cell (those coloured by yellow)

 

What can you do to follow the yellowed-coloured cell? Please colour the numbers on the chart by continue the pattern that you discovered.

 

What are the common features of these yellow cells? Colour some new cells, and explain how, by colouring these cells, you have followed and extended the pattern which is already in the chart.

Take a moment to think. You can answer these questions!