Pi Equals Exactly 3

If all you had to measure with was a 1 cubit long stick, your pi would equal three, too. An error of less than 5% - perfectly acceptable for most engineering.

I think that they measured a lot more accurately then that, given the architecture that still stands today! The Greeks had an excellent system of mathematics.

King Solomon wasn't Greek.

DOH! (spider pig, spider pig)

Please use the emoticons provided as some people may think you are actually being serious.

Please use the emoticons provided as some people may think you are actually being serious.

Yes, you're correct that I should have hinted that I meant the opening post facetiously. Those who have read my other posts would understand my intent, but of course most people here don't know me, and there are certainly many fools make statements based on dubious sources.

I usually ignore trends, but here goes -- my first emoticon on CR4

Well, that didn't hurt too much

1 + 1 = 3

(For a high value of 1)

I thought it was the sales tax that did it.

They're wonderful, these ancient texts. I'm told the speed of light, c, is accurately stated in the Qur'an.

They're wonderful, these ancient texts. I'm told the speed of light, c, is accurately stated in the Qur'an.

Does anyone know specifically where the Qur'an mentions the speed of light? I'd like to see how close it comes to the true value, assuming that some kind of quantitative estimate is given (which i seriously doubt).

...and the Magic 8 Ball says:

http://www.answering-islam.org/Science/c_in_quran.html

very cool BHANKIII.

Just as I thought -- the Koran's supposed estimate of the speed of light is utter rubbish, manufactured by modern-day numerologists drawing from vague poetry and intellectual dishonesty. Gee, what a surprise!

gee what a surprise; another 'Guest' rebuttal

gee what a surprise; another 'Guest' rebuttal

What difference does it make who I am? (but if it's important to you, my CR4 handle is "svengali". I did not log in because I am away from home and do not remember my password). The document that bhankiii cited clearly refutes the claim that the Koran gives any meaningful estimate of the speed of light. Did you even read that page? If so, do you agree or disagree with the author? Since bhankiii supplied the link, I wonder what he thinks about it.

I give it equal footing with the Bible's account of the creation of the earth.

I give it equal footing with the Bible's account of the creation of the earth.

A reasonable person could interpret your answer in two totally opposite ways: that you consider the Bible's creation story and the Koran's estimate of c both credible, or you that you consider both of them dubious. You have the right to remain vague. But we don't learn anything about your viewpoint this way. Just as well -- discussions about religion and politics usually lead to irrationality anyway.

You would think that, as engineers, the latter interpretation would be obvious, but I've not always found that to be the case.

Sooo..outdated and superstitious nonsense then?

Let's call it a misapplication of information.

Let's call it a misapplication of information.

Or the failure to distinguish between poetic metaphor and scientific description.

Pi are not square, pie are round and cornbread are square!

I have to take issue with this comment. I've been making cornbread in my mama's old cast iron skillet for years - and it's round!