Christine Peacock
It is March. We all know that spring break is approaching and some of us are making exciting plans. Located in this month is also Pi Day!
It is called Pi Day because it is on 3/14, the same beginning numbers of pi. Pi is a very essential constant used in mathematics. It is calculated by dividing the circumference of any circle by its diameter. Pi is used in many different fields such as physics, astronomy, and architecture. It’s why people can design intricate arches in buildings. Additionally, astronomists can calculate how light moves through space and how planets orbit the sun. Moreover, some Egyptians believe that the Pyramids of Giza were built on the principles of pi, for the relationship between the diameter of a circle and its circumference is proportional to the relationship between the vertical height of a pyramid and the perimeter of its base. It is also used in computer science; by having a computer calculate pi, software engineers can test how fast a computer is.
Yes, we all know how important this Greek symbol is, but who came up with it? The very first pi was calculated 4,000 years ago by ancient Egyptian and Babylonian mathematicians. They calculated pi to be between 3 and 3.1605, which was surprisingly in the right range, considering that they didn’t have any complex software or computers. Over time, other mathematicians, like Archimedes, stepped in and further refined pi to be between 3.14085 and 3.14285. These two values are astonishingly close to pi (which is 3.14159…) as we know it today.
Given all these uses of this important symbol and how it was discovered, take Pi Day as a day to recognize the brilliant work and efforts of these mathematicians and to appreciate math more. And of course, have some pie! (Like the actual baked goods.)
References:
Temming, M. (2022, February 17). Let's learn about pi. Science News for Students. Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/lets-learn-about-pi
25 surprising facts about pi. Pi Day. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://www.piday.org/pi-facts/
What is pi (π) and what is it good for? ZME Science. (2021, January 28). Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://www.zmescience.com/science/what-is-pi-feature-82359724/
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