English

Folding $\pi$

Number Theory 2025-05-27 v3

Abstract

It is well known that the set of origami constructible numbers is larger than the classical straight-edge and compass constructible numbers. However, the Huzita-Justin-Hatori origami constructible numbers remain algebraic so that the transcendental number π\pi can only be approximated using a finite number of straight line folds. Using these methods we give a convergent sequence for folding π\pi as well as other methods to approximate π\pi. Folding along curved creases, however, allows for the construction of transcendental numbers. We here give a method to construct π\pi exactly by folding along a parabola, and we discuss generalizations for folding other transcendental numbers such as Γ(1/4)\Gamma(1/4).

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2403.09277,
  title  = {Folding $\pi$},
  author = {Michael Assis},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2403.09277},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

Corrected typo