Draft:Tau (mathematical constant)

The number šœ or tau (/taŹŠ/, /tɔĖ/) is the mathematical constant equal to the ratio of a circle's circumference to its radius, approximately 6.28319. Equivalently, it is the number of radians in a turn, the circumference of the unit circle, and the period of the sine and cosine functions. šœ is exactly two times the more well-known mathematical constant Ļ€, the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. However, some mathematicians have advocated for the use of a single letter to represent 2Ļ€, stating that this value is more natural than Ļ€.[citation needed] Like Ļ€, šœ is irrational, meaning it cannot be expressed as the quotient of two integers, and is transcendental, meaning it is not a solution to any nonzero polynomial with rational coefficients. However, its value can be expressed precisely using infinite series, integrals, or as the solution to equations involving trigonometric functions.[citation needed]

The value of šœ, to 50 decimal places, is:

6.28318530717958647692528676655900576839433879875021...