All you need to know about Pi Day
What's the story
Pi Day is largely celebrated on March 14 every year, but related celebrations are also held on alternative dates. One Pi Approximation Day is observed on July 22 (22/7 in the day/month format)—as the fraction 22⁄7 is an estimate of π. Another Pi Approximation Day is celebrated on November 10 every year—since it's the 314th day of the year. Here's more on Pi Day.
Definition
What is Pi?
Pi, also written as "π," is one of the most well-known mathematical constants and the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. The distance around the edge of any circle is slightly more than three times the distance across. The Pi is an irrational number—an unending decimal number with no repeating pattern—that is estimated as 3.14 or the fraction 22/7.
History
Why and how is Pi Day celebrated?
Pi Day is commemorated on March 14 of every year—3/14 in the month/day format—as the digits 3, 1, and 4 signify π. The day of celebration was founded in 1988 by American physicist Larry Shaw. People celebrate by eating pies or participating in competitions. In November 2019, UNESCO's 40th General Conference chose Pi Day as the International Day of Mathematics.
Uses
Application of Pi today
Here are a few areas of mathematics where Pi is used: -Area of a circle = πr^2. -Surface area of a cylinder = 2πr^2 + h(2πr). -Volume of a cylinder = πr^2h. -Surface area of a sphere = 4πr^2. -Volume of a sphere is 4/3πr^3. -Volume of a cone is 1/3πr^2h. -Surface area of a cone is πrl + πr^2.
Pi references
References of Pi in pop culture
Life of Pi: Yann Martel's book Life of Pi is has the lead character Piscine Molitor Patel introduce himself as "Pi Patel" while demonstrating a large circle with the value of π (3.14) beside him to explain how to pronounce his name. The Simpsons: A sign at the Springfield graveyard had this Pi intended pun, "Come for the funeral, stay for the π."
Celebration
Things you can do on Pi Day
Pi Day is the day when you can let the geek within you come out without feeling embarrassed. Get dressed in a t-shirt with the formula written on it. Have a party with your friends who also love mathematics. Eat foods such as Pizza, Pilaf, and of course lots of Pie. Have a pie-baking contest or cook foods that are round, like cookies.