Significance of π Day

Robin Yoo, Photojournalist

Pi Day is an annual celebration to commemorate the mathematical constant π (Pi) which is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, and is also one of the most revered mathematic constants known in the world. Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 because the first three significant digits of π in the decimal form are 3, 1, and 4.

The first celebration of Pi Day was organized by Larry Shaw in 1988 at the San Francisco Exploratorium, where Shaw worked as a physicist. Since then, Pi Day has been celebrated by millions of students and math-lovers. Furthermore, on March 12, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution, recognizing March 14, 2009 as National Pi Day.

Pi Day has been observed in many ways, these include eating pie, throwing pies, and discussing the significance of the number π. Since the first six digits of π are 3.14159, celebrating pi day at 1:59 PM on Pie Day is one of the methods used as well. Some schools hold competitions as to which student can recall Pi to the highest number.

In the year of 2015, YLHS will celebrate Pi Day on Friday March 13th. YLHS will have events such as reciting π contest, π poster contest, pie-throwing contest, and pie-eating contest. The 1st place winner in each of the categories will receive a prize. Extra credit will be given in math class and to receive that extra credit, the student must make a π poster that included 10 interesting facts about Pi Day and bring in a pie for the math class. Pies must be brought in to your math teacher before school on Friday, March 13th. Furthermore, YLHS will provide delicious pie to students during lunch time: each student will receive a piece of pie at the quad.

Some people think Pi Day is about eating pies, however, they should know that the π is not about eating a pie but is for celebration in commemorating the mathematical constant. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a piece of pie on Pi Day. Have a happy Pi Day!