Machin-like formula

In mathematics, Machin-like formulas are a popular technique for computing π (the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle) to a large number of digits. They are generalizations of John Machin's formula from 1706:

which he used to compute π to 100 decimal places.[1][2]

Machin-like formulas have the form

(1)

where is a positive integer, are signed non-zero integers, and and are positive integers such that .

These formulas are used in conjunction with Gregory's series, the Taylor series expansion for arctangent:

(2)
  1. ^ Jones, William (1706). Synopsis Palmariorum Matheseos. London: J. Wale. pp. 243, 263. There are various other ways of finding the Lengths, or Areas of particular Curve Lines or Planes, which may very much facilitate the Practice; as for instance, in the Circle, the Diameter is to Circumference as 1 to

    3.14159, &c. = π. This Series (among others for the same purpose, and drawn from the same Principle) I receiv'd from the Excellent Analyst, and my much Esteem'd Friend Mr. John Machin; and by means thereof, Van Ceulen's Number, or that in Art. 64.38. may be Examin'd with all desireable Ease and Dispatch.

    Reprinted in Smith, David Eugene (1929). "William Jones: The First Use of π for the Circle Ratio". A Source Book in Mathematics. McGraw–Hill. pp. 346–347.

  2. ^ Beckmann, Petr (1971). A History Of Pi. USA: The Golem Press. p. 102. ISBN 0-88029-418-3.