Op-ed: World Pi Day (π = 3.14)
Source: in-cyprus.com
By Lysandros Lysandrou
March 14th is celebrated globally as Pi Day. Of all mathematical constants, Pi is the best known and commonly approximated as 3.14. Thus, Pi Day honors the constant Pi specifically and mathematics generally. Pi is defined as the ratio of a circle’s circumference divided by diameter. The Greek word for circumference is «περειφέρεια» (periphery). For this reason, the first letter «π» of this word «περειφέρεια» has been adopted as the universal symbol of this fundamental mathematical constant.
Pi Day is observed on March 14th because the date (3/14) matches the first three digits of π (=3.14). While this date is written as 14/3 in most European countries, the American date format (3/14) coincidentally aligns with the digits of the mathematical constantπ (=3.14), making it a perfect fit for Pi Day celebrations in the United States.
The first large-scale Pi Day celebration took place in 1988 at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. On March 12, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution designating March 14th as “National Pi Day.” The scientific studies of π began in the 6th century BC by the ancient Greeks, culminating in the great contributions by Archimedes of Syracuse (287 – 212 BC). Therefore, one might wonder: Should not the parliaments of Greece and Cyprus do likewise?
Given that UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) officially celebrates numerous cultural and scientific milestones, it would be fitting for UNESCO to officially recognize March 14th as International Pi Day. Such a move would honor not only the significance of π in mathematics but also the historical contributions of ancient Greek civilization to the field.
Archimedes made significant advancements in the many branches of mathematics involving π, and in the more precise estimation of the irrational number π, which is why the constant is often referred to as “Archimedes’ constant”. Although Archimedes did not “invent” π, his pioneering work in this area laid the foundation for future studies that were not surpassed until the 18th century.
Archimedes, one of the greatest mathematicians, scientists and engineers of all time, made important contributions to all these disciplines. Yet, the word most famously associated with Archimedes is “Eureka!” – the exclamation he reportedly made upon discovering the principle of buoyancy. Owing to Archimedes’ fame the word “Eureka” and the phrase “Eureka moment” are now widely used in the English language.
The legacy of Archimedes’ great discoveries and inventions inspired the author to publish in 2023 the bilingual novella (available through Amazon) EUREKA!: (In English & Cypriot Greek).
The original article: belongs to in-cyprus.com .
