J3/03-136 Date: 10-mar-2003 To: J3 From: Bill Long Subject: The meaning of pi A question was raised about the whether the Greek letter $\pi$ used in the specifications of some of the intrinsic procedures represented the mathematical value or a numerical approximation. Since $\pi$ in these contexts is used to specify mathematical concepts, the correct interpretation is the mathematical value of $\pi$. Note to Editor: The notation $\pi$ represents the lower case Greek letter pi. Edits to 02-007R3: [296:13+] In the specifications of the intrinsic procedures, the symbol $\pi$ represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.