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WATCH: There’s 62 trillion reasons why this day is special for mathematics

It's a day of celebration for one mathematical equation

  • Pi Day is a celebration of one of, if not the, most important mathematic equations
  • π and circles are unifying elements that can be discussed in a variety of classrooms
  • March 14 is also Albert Einstein's birthday

The fourteenth day of the third month is all about celebrating a mathematical constant.

March 14 marks Pi Day, where mathematicians and scientists commemorate pi.

Pi, symbolized as π, is the ratio of the circumference on the diameter of a circle. Essentially, the distance around a circle divided by the distance from one edge to the other will always equal pi.

“Pi Day is something that’s been celebrated since 1988, and it relates to the first three digits of pi,” Leslie Shayer, a mathematics and statistics instructor at Okanagan College told Kelowna10. “It’s also Albert Einstein’s birthday, so happy birthday Albert.”

Most people think of 3.14 when they hear of the equation pi, but Shayer said the number of digits goes way beyond that.

“Pi has been determined at this point in time to over 62 trillion digits,” she explained. “I don’t even know what that means, that number is so large.”

Shayer said pi and circles are interesting because it’s a unifying element that can be discussed in a variety of classrooms.

“Here at Okanagan College, we focus on three things, which I believe are symbolized by the circle,” she said. “We talk about inclusion, we talk about Indigenization, we talk about well-being.”

For Shayer, math is about more than tests and numbers. It’s about recognizing patterns and finding relationships. Her Ph.D. thesis is about helping decrease math anxiety for students, by utilizing deep breaths so they can have greater success in mathematics.

“I’m working really hard to try and support students so that I can transform them from being math haters to people who can tolerate math,” she explained.

“I invite you all to build some relationships over some pie, whether it’s fruit, pizza, or otherwise, and I look forward to seeing you next year, on the next Pi Day.”

Published 2022-03-14 by Jordan Brenda

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