2007-02-28 04:00:07 · 6 answers · asked by goring 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
NO it can´t
2007-02-28 04:36:19 · answer #1 · answered by santmann2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Squaring the circle" is a euphemism for completing an impossible task, so no. You can calculate approximate values of area of a circle by drawing a square inside the circle and calculating the area, but you're left with the area on all four sides between the square and the circle. So, you can draw four smaller squares inside this space, but you'll still have area left over and will have to repeat the process. Eventually, you'll reach the limits of what can be done using a ruler and compass, and can add up the area of all the squares that have been scribed inside the circle, but the value is only an approximation.
2007-02-28 12:19:59 · answer #2 · answered by gamblin man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, it was tried long ago when people were first trying to determine the value of pi. It just doesn't work since pi is transcendental. Using infinite series does work though. :)
2007-02-28 12:47:41 · answer #3 · answered by Mike J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Pi is an infinitely precise value, so I don't think so.
2007-02-28 12:06:29 · answer #4 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, sorry.
The other thing you can't do with straightedge and compass is trisect an arbitrary angle.
2007-02-28 13:04:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not.
2007-02-28 12:07:43 · answer #6 · answered by SALSA 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋