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Copyright Michael Curtis 2004

 

Memorising Pi

 

I am not sure why but some people want to memorise a lot of pi.

There are some good mnemonics on the subject such as the raven poem and short sentences which represent the first 10 or so digits.

Using the Alphabet Decimal System of relating letters to digits, some of Pi can be represented by using prose:

 

Let's revisit the Alphabet Decimal system:

0        S, Z

1        T, D

2        N, E

3        M, Y, H

4        R, O, Q

5        L, W, C (some exceptions in 6 and 7)

6        CH, J, SH, A

7        K, G, TH, CR, CL  (even if a 'K...' word has a 'n' pronunciation. Eg. 'knight').

8        F, V, I

9        P, B, U

 

In groups of 16 digits after the decimal point:

 

Students Should Know Pi

[that is a title for the prose to cover the decimal places which come after 3........ : 3.1415.......]

 

To recall digits logically [T=1, R = 4, D = 1, L = 5],

Better not chance lapses.

Memory loss interferes but

Good brains memorise neatly.

 

Mastering figures really challenges.

Nobody achieves recall half-heartedly.

My first method never

Created pi links successfully.

 

Not very inspiring really.

Terrible performances created depression.

Alphabet use may bring

Back memories that lapsed.

 

Digits somehow lack vibrancy.

Now saying prose can

Realise potential; rapid recall

Will be eventually mastered.

 

Sceptics think it disingenuous:

"Sham remembering!" some shout.

Nevertheless, it shall emerge

Strong in pi performances.

 

I then wanted to add on a verse to reach 96 digits. And then I wanted 4 digits to reach 100. After 96 digits, I thought that I should rename the title of the prose to a 4 word title that would mean the final 4 digits:

 

Finishing should end in

scoring hundred; remaining four 

now elude my reach

Note title! Total glory!

 

"Students Should Know Pi" covers the 97th, 98th, 99th, and 100th decimal place.

I would love it if someone could give me a poem in the same style to cover 101 to 200.

Please email me with the heading PI: mick_curtis@yahoo.co.uk