Happy Pi Day!
If you thought March 14th was just an ordinary day, think again. Every year on this day, we celebrate something extraordinary: the mathematical constant known as pi (π). So, what is pi? How did it come to be? And why do we celebrate it? Let’s take a look.
What is Pi?
Pi (π) is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. It is an irrational and transcendental number, meaning that its decimal representation never ends or repeats—it’s infinite! With all these mind-boggling properties, it’s no wonder why mathematicians have been studying it for centuries.
How Did Pi Day Come to Be?
Pi Day was first celebrated in 1988 at the Exploratorium in San Francisco by physicist Larry Shaw. The date of March 14 (3/14) was chosen because 3.14 are the first three digits of pi (π). As more and more people began to learn about pi, Shaw’s celebration grew from a small gathering into an international phenomenon; now people around the world celebrate this special day every year with activities such as eating pies, memorizing digits of pi, throwing pies at each other (safely!), and having pie-eating contests.
So whether you’re a math whiz or someone who just enjoys celebrating random holidays, make sure to mark your calendar for March 14th every year and join in on the fun! From reciting digits of pi to eating fruit pies, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this special day—just remember to do so safely. Happy Pi Day!
Don’t forget to check out Act of Mercy by Mandy M. Roth to read about Mercy’s Halloween Pi costume.
FREE Read! Act of Mercy by Mandy M. Roth
Sources:
Holland, Brynn. “What Is Pi Day?” HISTORY, www.history.com/news/where-did-pi-day-come-from.
“Pi Day | Mathematics Program | St. Bonaventure University.” Www.sbu.edu, www.sbu.edu/academics/mathematics/student-activities/pi-day. Accessed 14 Mar. 2023.
“Pi Day – Celebrate Mathematics on March 14th.” Piday.org, 2019, www.piday.org/.