Mathematical constant

A mathematical constant is a fixed numerical quantity within a defined mathematical context. It may be universal, such as π, or fixed only by a particular problem or convention.

Variable (mathematics): A symbol representing a quantity that can vary or take different values within a mathematical expression or problem. Unlike a constant, a variable can change value as the expression or problem changes.
Pi: The ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14159. Pi is a universal geometric constant that also appears throughout analysis.
Mathematical definition: A precise statement establishing the meaning and conditions of a mathematical object or term. A constant’s definition fixes which value it denotes in a given context.
Archimedes: An ancient Greek mathematician and engineer known for work on geometry, mechanics, and hydrostatics. His bounds for the circle’s circumference helped establish early numerical estimates of π.
Physical constant: A fixed quantity used to describe physical laws, such as the speed of light or Planck constant. Physical constants are a major class of constants whose values anchor quantitative models.
Parameter (mathematics): A quantity held fixed within a particular calculation or model but allowed to vary between cases. Parameters show that fixedness can depend on which mathematical context is being considered.
Euler's number: The base of natural logarithms, approximately 2.71828. Euler’s number is a constant defined through exponential growth and calculus.
Infinite series: A sum whose terms continue without end, with a value defined through limits of partial sums when it converges. Convergent series provide exact representations and approximations for constants such as π.
Liu Hui: A third-century Chinese mathematician who wrote influential commentaries on classical mathematical texts. His polygon method produced a notably accurate approximation of π.
Numerical analysis: The study of algorithms for approximating mathematical problems using finite computation. Numerical analysis supplies methods for calculating constant values to chosen precision.

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Algebraic notationRelated: Constants such as π can appear alongside variables in expressions.