Which of the following values represents \( \pi \) when expressed as a decimal approximation?

The value that best represents ( \pi ) when expressed as a decimal approximation is 3.14.

This approximation is based on the well-known fact that ( \pi ) is an irrational number, approximately equal to 3.14159 when rounded to five decimal places. The value 3.14 provides an accurate and commonly used representation for many calculations, particularly in basic geometry and trigonometry. It captures the essence of ( \pi ) more closely than the other choices provided.

In contrast, the other values presented—3.16, 3.10, and 3.12—do not reflect the recognized decimal expansion of ( \pi ) as accurately as 3.14 does. Therefore, while they may be numerical values, they do not serve as correct approximations of ( \pi ) itself.