Would that not mean that we then have just as quick of a way to calculate an arbitrary decimal digit of pi? Hexa and dec feel geometrically close enough for any dec digit to be fully "covered" by a couple calculations of contiguous hexa digits.
From what I've read, it's not equally easy, and nobody has figured out a way yet, including the really smart people who came up with the hex algorithm.
Maybe there is something special about a power of two base.
How deliciously intriguing. I'll have to take some time and try to sink my teeth into this one.. someday :)
e: Although alas, after an ounce of consideration of some blown up exponents for 10 and 16, it feels a little(read: much more) daunting to find a clean, mechanical conversion.
Would that not mean that we then have just as quick of a way to calculate an arbitrary decimal digit of pi? Hexa and dec feel geometrically close enough for any dec digit to be fully "covered" by a couple calculations of contiguous hexa digits.