How Pi Day puts the ‘fun’ in fundamental Math

What is Mathematics? It is only a systematic effort of solving puzzles posted by nature

                                                                                                                    — Shakuntala Devi

Every year on March 14, the world comes together to celebrate Pi Day, a tribute to the mathematical constant pi (π). This special day is not just about acknowledging the importance of the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14159, but also embracing the role mathematics plays in our lives. Pi Day beautifully blends educational value with cultural significance, making it a favourite occasion among math lovers everywhere.

According to Naresh Marwaha, HoD-Mathematics (Secondary Level) Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, the science or study of numbers, quantities, or shapes includes a very fascinating number called Pi denoted by the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet π.

“It is the ratio of the circumference of any circle to the diameter of that circle. Regardless of the circle’s size, this ratio will always be equal to Pi. The day has a very deep secret in its celebration date itself as March 14 represents the first three digits of Pi (3.14). It is an annual opportunity for mathematics lovers to recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to their friends about Math, and eat pie,” Marwaha said and shared some interesting facts about π.

·         Pi is an irrational number — it is not possible to calculate it by dividing an integer by any other number.

·         We can never know the accurate circumference of a circle as the exact value of Pi can never be calculated – it is a never-ending and never-repeating number.

·         There are no zeroes in the first 31 digits of pi.

·         Various other names of Pi are Ludolphine Number, Archimedes, and Circular Constant.

·         The world champion Akira Haraguchi in 2006 recited a lakh digits of Pi from memory at a public event near Tokyo and it took him 16 hours 30 minutes to do so!

·         There is an entire language made from Pi. In 2010, software engineer Michael Keith published a book — Not a Wake in Pi language.

·         Pi is a part of Egyptian mythology; the Pyramids of Giza, it is said, were built with the principles of Pi.

The educator also said that Math is not to be feared but to be cheered and it becomes fun if you relate things to your daily life. “Students must understand the concepts rather than rote-memorising them, they must be clear about ‘why’ before ‘how’ of a topic. A student needs to be a problem solver and must set some challenging goals for himself/herself. Finally, innovation and creativity develop interest in the subject,” Marwaha opined.

The Origins of Pi Day

Pi Day’s inception in 1988 is attributed to Larry Shaw, a physicist at the San Francisco Exploratorium. The celebration began with participants marching around a circular space before indulging in fruit pies, a tradition that continues to this day. In 2009, the significance of Pi Day was further recognised when the US House of Representatives declared March 14 as Pi Day, a testament to its growing importance.

Each Pi Day brings with it a unique theme, aimed at deepening our appreciation for mathematics, science, and education. While the theme for Pi Day 2024 remains unspecified in our current knowledge, it is expected to inspire exploration and learning, celebrating the endless wonders of math and STEM education.

The Significance of Celebrating at 1:59 PM

Choosing to celebrate Pi Day at 1:59 PM is a clever nod to the digits of π, aligning the date and time with π’s numerical value (3.14159). This playful detail adds a layer of enjoyment to the festivities, highlighting the day’s mathematical theme in a fun and engaging way.

A Dual Celebration: Einstein and π

The coincidence of Albert Einstein’s birthday on Pi Day adds a fascinating dimension to the celebration. Recognised as one of the most influential physicists, Einstein’s birth on March 14, 1879, allows us to honour both his ground-breaking contributions to science and the mathematical constant π, enriching the day’s significance.

Why Pie? A Delicious Tradition

The tradition of eating pie on Pi Day stems from the homophonic play between ‘Pi’ (π) and ‘pie’. This enjoyable practice not only makes Math more accessible, especially to children but also symbolizes the communal spirit of learning and celebration. By sharing pies, participants indulge in a tradition that is as delicious as it is educational.