Decimals Quote by Simon Newcomb
“Ten decimal places of π are sufficient to give the circumference of the earth to a fraction of an inch, and thirty decimal places would give the circumference of the visible universe to a quantity imperceptible to the most powerful microscope.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Elements of Astronomy, Simon Newcomb, 1903
A few decimal places of π suffice for everyday measurements; extreme precision exceeds practical needs.
In simple terms: Only limited precision is needed for most tasks.
Key Takeaway
Use enough precision for the problem, not more.
Themes
precision
practicality
science
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
educational
informative
When to use this quote
- engineering design
- astronomical calculations
- budgeting
- data analysis
Key Concepts
significant figures
measurement limits
Questions to Reflect On
- When is extra precision worth the effort?
- What are the costs of unnecessary accuracy?
A Different Perspective
Over‑precision can waste resources or cause analysis.
