Hyderabad: Pi Approximation Day is observed every year on 22 July. The day is observed to value and showcase the importance of the mathematical constant π (pi). π symbol was devised by British mathematician William Jones in 1706 to represent the ratio and later it was popularised by the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler.
What is π (pi)?
According to the book, A History of Pi by Petr Beckmann, the Greek letter π was first used by William Jones in 1706. It is believed Jones used the letter as an abbreviation of the periphery, which turned into a standard mathematical notation nearly 30 years later. In 1737, Leonhard Euler adopted and popularised the symbol of Pi.
Georges Buffon, an 18th-century French mathematician, invented a way to calculate Pi based on probability. The value of π is a fundamental constant that represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. It is an irrational number, meaning it cannot be expressed as a simple fraction, and its decimal representation goes on infinitely without repeating.
History of Pi Approximation Day:
The Greek letter π (pi), which is used to represent the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, has been known and utilised since ancient times for almost four millennia. The ancient Babylonians even computed the circle's area by multiplying three times the square of its radius, resulting in the value of pi being approximated as three.
Archimedes of Syracuse, a mathematical luminary of ancient Greece, was the first to formally calculate π. He endeavoured to demonstrate that the approximate value of π falls between 3 1/7 and 3 10/71.
July 22nd is celebrated as Pi Approximation Day, chosen because the fraction 22/7 is a widely accepted rough estimate of π, accurate to two decimal places, and is traced back to Archimedes. Besides this day it is also celebrated on November 10, as it is the 314th day of the year. Pi Day is also observed on March 14, as it looks like 3/14 when placed in the month/date format.
Indian mathematicians Madhava and Aryabhata made very significant contributions in finding the exact value of π (pi). He used mathematical calculations for facilitating religious constructions such as altars.
Significance of the day:
Pi Approximation Day offers a fun way to celebrate mathematics and the fascinating properties of π. It provides an opportunity for math enthusiasts, educators, and students to appreciate the significance of this fundamental constant and its applications in various fields such as geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and physics. Pi is crucial for calculating the area and volume of numerous shapes, a fact that proves many trigonometric and geometric tasks are not possible without it.
Celebrations Pi Approximation Day:
On Pi Approximation Day, people usually engage in various activities related to Pi. For example, you might choose to dress up as your favourite mathematician or physicist and enjoy a pie with your family and friends at home. Schools and educational institutions often plan exciting activities to educate their students about the significance of Pi. People reciting the digits of pi, taking part in pi-themed competitions or quizzes, even baking pies together, — both literal and themed, and sharing interesting facts about pie, and more.
