Pi Day

Pi Day
The symbol for the mathematical constant pi (π)
Observed by	Mathematics enthusiasts, educators, students
Type	Secular
Significance	Celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi)
Date	March 14
Frequency	Annual

Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14 in the month/day date format) since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of π. It was founded by physicist Larry Shaw in 1988 at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, where Shaw worked as a physicist. The Exploratorium continues to hold Pi Day celebrations to this day.

Significance of Pi

Pi (π) is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. It is an irrational number, meaning it cannot be expressed exactly as a simple fraction, and its decimal representation is non-terminating and non-repeating. Pi is approximately equal to 3.14159, but its digits go on infinitely without repeating.

Pi is a fundamental element in many areas of mathematics and science, particularly in geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. It is used in calculations involving circles, spheres, and other curved shapes. The constant also appears in various formulas across physics and engineering.

History of Pi Day

The first official Pi Day celebration took place at the Exploratorium in 1988, organized by Larry Shaw. Participants marched around a circular space and then consumed fruit pies. The event has grown in popularity over the years, with schools and universities around the world holding their own Pi Day events.

In 2009, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing March 14 as National Pi Day. The resolution aimed to encourage schools and educators to observe the day with activities that teach students about mathematics and pi.

Celebrations and Activities

Pi Day is celebrated in various ways, often involving activities related to mathematics and pi. Common activities include:

• Pie Eating and Baking: Many people celebrate Pi Day by baking and eating pies, playing on the homophonic relationship between "pi" and "pie."
• Mathematical Competitions: Schools and educational institutions often hold competitions to see who can recite the most digits of pi or solve pi-related problems.
• Educational Activities: Teachers use Pi Day as an opportunity to engage students with fun and educational activities related to mathematics and the concept of pi.
• Pi Memorization: Enthusiasts challenge themselves to memorize as many digits of pi as possible.

Pi Approximation Day

In addition to Pi Day, some people also celebrate Pi Approximation Day on July 22 (22/7 in the day/month date format), since the fraction 22/7 is a common approximation of pi.

Also see

• Mathematics
• Irrational number
• Circle
• Geometry
• Exploratorium