Embedded Files
In 1873, the French mathematician Charles Hermite proved that π is a transcendental number, implying (among other things) that it can't be expressed as a fraction. But this news had apparently not propagated as far as Indiana even 24 years later. Or at least, not as far as the members of the Indiana General Assembly.
A physician and amateur mathematician called Edward J Goodwin submitted a mathematical argument to the Assembly which implied that the value of π was exactly 16/5, and in fact also that the square root of two is exactly 10/7. The state's House of Representatives approved it, no doubt with an eye on the royalties they would be able to collect from it being used anywhere outside Indiana. Fortunately Professor C.A. Waldo of the local university happened to be observing the assembly that day, and managed to coach the members of the Senate so that when the bill reached them, they knew to turn it down.
This story illustrates two important principles. First, politicians should not be trusted with anything involving mathematics, especially if it also involves money, which it generally does. Secondly, maths tutoring can be the key to avoiding severe embarrassment and achieving a very favourable outcome, so do contact me.
The full story is here.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse