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Because is is irrational, it cannot be expressed as a fraction. Because it is transcendental, it cannot be expressed as the root of a polynomial (like square roots can). In other words, without making up a symbol or a name specifically for pi, there is no simple way to express its exact value.

The reason the symbol was chosen is because pi is the greek version of the letter p. Like "p", pi is the first letter of the greek word for "perimeter". A circumference can be thought of as the "perimeter" of a circle, so the letter pi was chosen.

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Q: Why is the constant pi given the symbol?
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