03.14 = Happy Pi Day!

by Jarrett Martineau | March 14, 2008 at 01:57 pm

1234 views | 0 Recommendations | 10 comments

I love math days! A whole day dedicated to the mathematical constant π (aka Pi...no, not the Darren Aronofsky film of the same title); a day that not only coincides with the two decimal estimate of the number itself (3.14), but also happens to be the date of birth of a certain scientist, known as Albert Einstein, who is singularly responsible for the beautiful simplicity of what is likely the most famous equation known to humankind: E=mc2

So a Happy Pi Day to all and Happy B'day Albert E!

Today, the 14th of March, is Pi Day 2008. Pi Day is internationally celebrated in honor of the mathematical constant "Pi," who's actual value will — now and forever — remain unknown. NeoSmart Technologies has a run-down on the history of Pi, Pi Day, and the significance of Pi and other such "magical numbers" to science and technology. 'Pi isn't just a number that you can use to calculate circle-related mathematics, it's a symbol of something by far greater. Pi is one of many "magic" numbers that are found everywhere — if you know where to look. These magic numbers can't be explained, they just are. And if you use them right, they make it a lot easier to do a lot of really complicated things... In a way, they're a testimony to technology and computers (or vice-versa, depending on how you look at it).

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Lelonopo

at 14:54 on March 14th, 2008

I respect the excitement about Pi, though my excitement is more about Pie. And Pie Day. Mmmm....this is KISS Apple Pie. Keep it Simple, Stupid.

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Crookedtail

at 15:15 on March 14th, 2008

I had no idea people celebrated this day with such gusto! I am going to a Pi Pie Party tonight, and baked my own special version. :)

http://flickr.com/photos/60058591@N00/2332652485/

urn

at 16:11 on March 14th, 2008

My contribution to the office's Pi day celebration. This one is apple.

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dnordstedt

at 16:13 on March 14th, 2008

Pi is a great number! And don't forget Phi Day, June 18. Time to read up on the Golden Section if you haven't already!

blueeyesofazure

at 16:29 on March 14th, 2008

Who wants some Cherry Pi? This is my latest tattoo and I love it. Even when people think it's an apple.

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ywg.dana

at 16:49 on March 14th, 2008

Chocolate pecan pie for Pi Day!

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st0nemas0nry

at 18:31 on March 14th, 2008

At SkillsTech Australia in Brisbane, I’m teaching a group of stonemasonry apprentices to each make a 300-millimetre diameter solid granite ball from a rough block. I used Pi Day to introduce mathematical concepts associated with diameters and circles in the theory room this morning.

Together with my students, we looked at several websites featuring large rotating granite balls [e.g. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kugel_ball], and calculated surface area proportionate to the diameter. This is relevant because it would be necessary to know how long it would take to hone and polish the ball.

We also calculated the mass of the ball relative to its volume and density. This is relevant because of the need to know how to safely handle, transport and install materials.

Students are surprised to discover that if the diameter of a ball is doubled, then the surface area increases 2 x 2 = 4 times, and the volume (and mass) increases 2 x 2 x 2 = 8 times

Pi Day presented a good opportunity to discuss mathematical concepts in a ‘real world’ context.

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SamJoshAlex

at 04:58 on March 15th, 2008

Josh (5th grade) points to the pie (and crust) he made and designed as he gets ready to head off to school to celebrate Pi day.

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mathgeek00

at 07:31 on March 15th, 2008

I knitted this Pi Vest to wear to work 3/14/08. The pattern is from the Fall 2006 issue of knit.1 magazine. While I was definitely deemed a "dork" for the day, I wore the vest proudly and gave people cookies with pi on them :)

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Apex of omnipotence

at 09:27 on March 16th, 2008

PI=3.14 and off into infinity,I never paid much attention to math at school,as an adult I have found math to be very interesting,mathmatics is the universal language of nature,everything can be understood through math,PI the movie by Darren Aronofsky touched me in many ways,I strongly recomend watching it,The sound track was written by Clint Mansell,with a fine selection of artists include,Aphex Twin,Orbital,Roni Size & Autechre,Electronica music,dark sound scapes. happy PI day :-)

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