March 14: It's Pi Day!

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Pi Day, celebrated on March 14, is a day of global recognition that has piqued the interest of math enthusiasts, college students, and even rocket scientists. This day, represented by the first three digits of the infinite number pi (3.14), has practical applications that extend far beyond the realm of mathematics.

 

The origins of Pi Day trace back to 1988 when physicist Larry Shaw initiated the celebrations at the Exploratorium science museum in San Francisco. It wasn’t until 2009, however, that the day gained national recognition when Congress designated every March 14 as Pi Day. Interestingly, this day also coincides with the birthday of the renowned physicist, Albert Einstein.

 

Pi, a mathematical constant, expresses the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Despite its simplicity, pi is an irrational number with an infinite number of nonrepeating decimal places. Today, with the help of advanced computers, researchers have calculated trillions of digits for pi. However, for most practical applications, including those used by NASA scientists, only the first 15 decimal places are required.

 

Pi Day is not just about mathematics and science. It’s also a day for pies! Many people around the world mark the day with a slice of sweet or savory pie. The celebration of Pi Day has evolved to include various fun activities, making it a day of joy and learning for all.

 

So, how did you celebrate Pi Day this year? Did you indulge in a slice of your favorite pie, or did you dive into the fascinating world of mathematics? We’d love to hear your unique Pi Day experiences!

 

 

Learn more:

• https://www.piday.org
• https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2023/3/14/what-is-pi-day-the-story-of-the-circle
• https://www.cnet.com/pictures/pi-day-march-14-through-time-from-steph-curry-to-linux-to-einstein/

 

 

Image: Oksanabratanova | Dreamstime.com