Pi Day, celebrated annually on March 14, honours the mathematical constant Pi, which is approximately 3.14. The date, when written as 3/14, mirrors the first three digits of Pi, making it a fitting day for mathematicians and numerophiles to celebrate this important number.
Pi, pronounced "pie," is recognised as one of the most famous irrational numbers, and March 14 serves as a reminder of its significance in the world of mathematics. While Pi's importance is widely acknowledged, some question why Pi, rather than other constants like "e" or the golden ratio, gets the most attention. Despite differing opinions, Pi Day remains a special occasion for those who appreciate the beauty and utility of mathematics in everyday life.
History of Pi Day
In 1988, physicist Larry Shaw first recognized Pi Day. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives officially designated March 14 as Pi Day. Later, in 2019, UNESCO declared Pi Day as the "International Day of Mathematics" during its general conference. Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist behind the "General Theory of Relativity," was born on Pi Day in 1879. The value of Pi was first calculated by the ancient mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse. It was widely accepted after Leonhard Euler used the symbol Pi in 1737. Physicist Shaw linked Pi's digits with March 14, organizing a special event for the staff at San Francisco's Exploratorium.
Pi Day is celebrated by lovers of mathematics every year through Pi recital competitions and Pi Day workouts to stimulate interest in learning and practising mathematics.
Significance Of Pi
Pi is an infinitely long, irrational number and its exact value cannot be known. Since Pi's exact value cannot be known, we can never find the exact area or circumference of a circle.
Pi is a part of Egyptian mythology. People in Egypt believed that the pyramids of Giza were built on the principles of pi.
