Pi: From an ancient number to a groundbreaking quantum formula
Pi, a familiar mathematical constant, has been with humanity for thousands of years, appearing in the early geometric calculations of the Babylonian and ancient Greek civilizations.
Mathematicians like Archimedes attempted to estimate Pi with high accuracy, laying the foundation for its indispensable role in modern mathematics, physics, and engineering.
However, Pi is an irrational number, with an infinite number of non-repeating decimal digits and cannot be expressed as a neat fraction. Approximate values like 3.14159 or 22/7 are only relative, revealing limitations when faced with problems requiring absolute precision, especially in quantum mechanics or particle physics simulations.

The number Pi appeared in the earliest geometric calculations of the Babylonian and ancient Greek civilizations (Photo: Getty).
For decades, scientists have been constantly seeking ways to optimize the computation of Pi, not only for its purely mathematical value but also to serve the complex simulation models in modern research.
The new Pi formula: A breakthrough from the quantum model.
According to Popular Mechanics , an unexpected breakthrough has just been announced by two physicists, Arnab Priya Saha and Aninda Sinha, from the Indian Institute of Science. While building a quantum model simulating the interactions between fundamental particles, the research team discovered a completely new formula for calculating Pi, published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
The unique aspect of this formula is its ability to converge to the value of Pi extremely quickly. The research team combined the Feynman scheme, which describes particle interactions in quantum physics, with the Euler beta function, a mathematical tool commonly used in string theory. This combination created a computational sequence with a convergence speed far superior to traditional formulas.
The new formula allows scientists to calculate Pi with very high accuracy without storing millions of digits, significantly reducing the number of processing steps in complex physics problems. This is particularly useful when using supercomputers to simulate particle interactions or matter structures at the quantum level.
Significance and future application prospects in science
The new Pi formula is not only a mathematical achievement but also a highly applicable computational tool in many fields of modern science. Reducing the amount of data processed allows physical models to operate faster, more accurately, and less expensively. This is a significant step forward in particle physics, cosmology, new materials development, and the application of artificial intelligence in scientific research.
Dr. Aninda Sinha revealed that this research direction was first proposed in the 1970s but was abandoned due to computational limitations. Now, thanks to modern technology, his team has demonstrated that the new Pi formula is not only feasible but also surpasses initial expectations.
Although it has no direct applications in daily life, scientists consider this a significant achievement in the field of basic science. It not only expands our understanding of Pi but also serves as a bridge between pure mathematics and practical problems in the microscopic world .
As Dr. Sinha shared, the greatest value of this discovery lies in opening new doors for future scientific knowledge and exploration .
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/dot-pha-tim-ra-cong-thuc-pi-hoan-toan-moi-sau-hang-nghin-nam-20250914212437798.htm








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