In the steam-space calculation, what value is pi approximated as in the example?

• A. 3.2
• B. 3.14159
• C. 3.14
• D. 22/7

Answer: (C)

Pi is the factor that links a circle’s dimensions to its area, so any steam-space calculation that involves circular shapes uses an approximate value of pi. In the example, pi is taken as 3.14 because this two-decimal approximation keeps arithmetic simple while delivering enough accuracy for typical boiler-scale calculations. Using the exact value 3.14159 would be more precise but isn’t necessary for the context. The option 3.2 would introduce a larger rounding error, and although 22/7 is close (about 3.142857), the example specifically uses 3.14 for consistency and ease.