Fun Roles of Pies on Pi Day

Prof. M Zahidul Haque

Prof. M Zahidul Haque

This author has an avocation of keeping note of important facts and events in a  diary. The other day as he was scrolling through the pages of the said diary, he came across the ‘Pi’ Day. This day carries some fun facts.

Well, every year ‘Pi’ day is celebrated on March 14 or 3/14 to honor the mathematical constant π (pi), which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14159. It is an irrational number, meaning its decimal expansion goes on forever without repeating. Pi is fundamental in geometry, physics, and engineering, making it one of the most important constants in mathematics.

UNESCO declared March 14 as the International Day of Mathematics, making Pi Day even more significant globally.

Meanwhile, the discovery of π (pi) was a gradual process that evolved over

thousands of years, rather than a single discovery by one person. While

Archimedes made the most famous early contribution, π was refined over time

by Babylonians, Egyptians, Chinese, Indian, and European mathematicians. In

modern computation with computers, π has been calculated to trillions of digits.

Among its many uses--in Physics & Engineering, it is used in wave equations, relativity, and quantum mechanics, in Astronomy; it helps calculate planetary orbits, while in Architecture, used for designing domes, arches, and circular structures.

Interestingly, Pies also play a fun role in mathematics through Pi Day. From

ancient preservation techniques to modern dessert traditions, pies have remained

a timeless favorite. And thanks to Pi Day, they now have a special place in both

the culinary and mathematical worlds. So whether you're enjoying a slice of pie for its rich history or its playful connection to pi, there's no denying its enduring appeal.

The Pi Day has other significance. Coincidentally, Pi Day also marks the

birthday of the famous physicist Albert Einstein, born on March 14, 1879. This

connection adds an extra layer of meaning to the celebration. On this day, math

enthusiasts and pie lovers alike come together to enjoy circular desserts, solve

mathematical puzzles, and appreciate the wonders of both food and science.

Perhaps those among us including children, who are afraid of Mathematics, may

be motivated to study and practice math by offering pies including sweet

American pies!

(Prof. M Zahidul Haque is a former Professor, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural

University, Dhaka)