George Murphy wrote:
<< (Roman engineers used pi =
25/8 even though they knew that 22/7 was more accurate
because eighths were easier for them to work with.) >>
I had wondered if it was an approximation. This is much
better because it shows evidence that approximation
techniques were purposefully used in the ancient world.
A skeptic could still argue that the tank should have
been 31 cubits around. In that sense, Gordin's answer
also permits a little more slack in the measurement.
On the flip side. if the bible had said
that the tank was 31.41592654.... cubits (to 32
decimal places) it would look a lot more suspect ---
particularly if we learn some day that there actually
is other intelligent life in the universe.
by Grace alone do we proceed,
Wayne
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