Awesome Math Girls

Mihika Bansal

March 14 was a few days ago, but do you know why it is significant?

If you said “Pi Day,” you are correct! Every year on March 14, math lovers around the world celebrate Pi Day. The date 3/14 matches the first three digits of π, one of the most well-known numbers in mathematics. π begins with 3.14, and it represents the ratio between a circle’s circumference and its diameter, remaining constant regardless of the size of the circle. π is a special number because its digits never end or repeat, and it appears in every circular object around us like clocks, plates, and basketballs.

The idea for Pi Day started in 1988 at the Exploratorium, where a physicist named Larry Shaw wanted to create a fun way to celebrate mathematics worldwide. During the first celebration, many people walked in circles around the museum and ate pie as a reference to the pronunciation of π. 38 years later, schools and math communities around the world have created their own versions to celebrate. 

In many classrooms, Pi Day is one of the most exciting days of the year for students. Some  math teachers decorate their classrooms with the digits of π, while others bring in various kinds of pie and organize competitions to see who can memorize the most digits or who dresses up the most. In sixth grade, I even participated in a “Digits of Pi” contest and managed to recite 100 digits of π!

Another interesting coincidence is that March 14 is also the birthday of Albert Einstein. Einstein’s discoveries were groundbreaking in the world of STEM, and he changed the way scientists understand space, time, and the universe today. To me, it feels fitting that a day celebrating the joys of mathematics shares a birthday with one of the most influential scientists in history.

Pi Day is a reminder that math can be creative, surprising, and fun. A number that describes every circle has inspired a worldwide celebration of curiosity and learning!

Until next time! 3.14159…

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