Obviously I an NOT as smart as a 6th grader - MATH HELP

I got 2.45 for the diameter of the wheel.

Work

total distance traveled is 1540'  (520+520+250+250)

circumference of wheel is 1540/200  or 7.7'

2(pi)r = C (formula for Circumference)
2(pi)r = 7.7'
r=1.23'
d=2*r
d=2.45 

Doesn't it say on the side of the tire what the diameter is?  I would just put 700c as an answer, then argue to no end that it is correct...

I concur and have arrived at the same answer.

However, the problem neglected to mention whether it was a tubular or clincher, and what the power meter readings were.

This just adds to the argument that 700c is indeed the correct answer.  The teacher obviously has not stated all of the variables into the equation.

Don't even need to sarc that. Was the first thing I thought of. Ok, second thing. I was wondering why it mattered how wide the sidewalk was, then I realized they meant the block. You know, because it actually stated "the block is..."

Now do it all with fractions

Agreed 2.45.  However what sort of commie-pinko school is teaching your child to use 22/7 for Pi.  Jeeze..

Use a tape measure?

245/100 

If it's mountain bike it's a 26" wheel... unless you're uber cool then it's a 29er.

If it's a road bike it'a 700cc wheel... unless you're short then it's a 650cc.

The real problem is that the seat is too high!

This.

Why?

The ancient Greeks, Chinese, Indians, and Persians, among others, used this approximation or its rough equivalent with great success for thousands of years.  I say if it was good enough for Archimedes, it is good enough for me.

Why? Because it is a rough equivalent, not the real value.

When was the last time you used the ACTUAL REAL value of pi?

I'm not talking about a truncated version where you assume all trailing digits are insignificant.

Seriously? You guys are making this a debate?

You let me know when you find the real value.  Last I checked, mathmagicians were still looking for it.  They were at a trillion digits and still counting.

You sound like my 9 year old, who hates to estimate.  I have told him that EVERYTHING is an estimate.  The only question is how precise you want to be.