Pi Day is probably the least important thing you could possibly think about, which is exactly why I think it is important! So... Happy Pi Day! Every year, math geeks (like me) celebrate Pi Day on March 14 (aka 3.14... get it?). One more thing: today is Albert Einstein's birthday, so happy birthday, Albert!
If you remember your grade school math, Pi (Greek letter "π") is the symbol used to represent an important and very useful constant: the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is approximately 3.14159. (Is Pi more useful than a towel?)
Call your favorite math teacher and tell them you love them! Recite as many digits of Pi as you can remember, eat some pie and take a moment to cherish the value of understanding transcendental numbers.
About Pi
Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. As an irrational and transcendental number, it will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern. While only a handful of digits are needed for typical calculations, Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize, and to computationally calculate more and more digits.
Why do you need Pi? Well, circles are all around us. If you want to find the area and circumference of a circle, you multiply its radius squared times Pi. And because Pi is constant, this holds true for any circle of any size.
Thanks to for this GIF.
About Pi Day
Physicist Larry Shaw organized the earliest known official celebration of Pi Day at the San Francisco Exploratorium, with people marching around one of its circular spaces, then consuming fruit pies. On March 12, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution (111 H. Res. 224) recognizing March 14, 2009, as National Pi Day.
Pi can help save the world
Please do what you can to communicate the idea that both the scientific method and mathematics are evidence-based and proof-based frameworks we can use to gain a deeper understanding of things that, to some, appear magical. Science and math are not faith-based. You don't need to believe in them for the results to be true. Pi(e) for everyone!!! -s
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named he covers tech and business for , is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular . He's a , and the creator of the popular, free online course, . Follow or visit .
