What value is used for π when approximating the area of a circle?

The value used for π when approximating the area of a circle is commonly accepted as either 3.14 for rough calculations or 3.14159 for more precise work. The number π is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter and is an irrational number, meaning it has an infinite number of decimal places without repeating.

When performing basic calculations, such as estimating the area of a circle, using 3.14 provides a simple and often sufficient approximation. This makes it practical for quick estimates or when only a rough value is needed, particularly in educational contexts or situations where high precision is not critical.

Thus, while other values may be more accurate, such as 3.14159, using 3.14 is an acceptable and widely utilized approximation for developing an understanding of circular geometry.