Happy PI Day 2010: Google Finds Math Fun!

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around the celebration of Pi Day on March 14, which corresponds to the numerical representation of pi (3.14). Participants debate the significance of Pi Day in different countries, noting that the date format affects its recognition. They also discuss the mathematical implications of pi, including its definition as the ratio of circumference to diameter and the alternative representation using radius. Furthermore, the conversation touches on various methods for approximating pi, including infinite series and polygonal approaches.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mathematical concepts, specifically the properties of pi.
  • Familiarity with date formats and their implications in different cultures.
  • Knowledge of infinite series and their convergence in mathematics.
  • Basic geometry, particularly the relationship between circumference, diameter, and radius.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical significance of Pi Day and its historical context.
  • Explore methods for calculating pi, including infinite series and polygon approximation techniques.
  • Learn about the cultural variations in date formats and their impact on celebrations.
  • Investigate the mathematical properties of circles and their relevance to pi.
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Mathematicians, educators, students, and anyone interested in the cultural and mathematical significance of Pi Day and the properties of pi.

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I went to Google this morning and found out that today is http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/12/pi.day.math/" . :biggrin:


piday10-hp.gif
 
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It's pi day because it's 3-14.

I believe that means it's not pi day in foreign countries because they put the day of the month first.

And, since there's no month 14, there will never be a pi day in foreign countries.

Or is that just circular reasoning?
 
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zoobyshoe said:
Or is that just circular reasoning?

Arrrggghhhh... :rolleyes:

Gokul43201 said:
You mean \pi r_0^2 ?

Exactly. Cakes are square; pie are round. :biggrin:
 
zoobyshoe said:
It's pi day because it's 3-14.

I believe that means it's not pi day in foreign countries because they put the day of the month first.

And, since there's no month 14, there will never be a pi day in foreign countries.

Or is that just circular reasoning?
To be intentionally obtuse, that's not circular, but incomplete. Completeness, within this particular argument, would also require you to note that April never has 31 days.

Of course, Jan 3rd is really not so terrible, but just doesn't have enough zing in it.
 
zoobyshoe said:
It's pi day because it's 3-14.

I believe that means it's not pi day in foreign countries because they put the day of the month first.

And, since there's no month 14, there will never be a pi day in foreign countries.

Or is that just circular reasoning?

Hmm. 3-14-15 will be PI year.
 
zoobyshoe said:
And, since there's no month 14, there will never be a pi day in foreign countries.

Sure there will. We just do it on 22/7 (22nd of July) which is actually closer to pi than 3.14. Alternatively people have been known to do it on the 314th day of the year, but I can never remember when that is and I don't reckon it's that popular except for people who want an extra chance to celebrate pi day.
 
  • #10
I'm wearing http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/unisex/sciencemath/6e7e/ today.
 
  • #11
happy Pi-nstein day!
 
  • #12
I have a problem with pi. Pi was arbitrarily chosen to be the ratio of circumference over diameter thousands of years ago. But as most problems in math and physics are solved in term of radius than diameter, there is more elegance for pi to be circumference over radius (6.28318). It represents a full 360 degree revolution, and not 180.
 
  • #13
Happy pi day! I found the perfect square pie to celebrate. :biggrin:

3063024748_7d252abc83.jpg
 
  • #14
Gokul43201 said:
To be intentionally obtuse, that's not circular, but incomplete. Completeness, within this particular argument, would also require you to note that April never has 31 days.

Of course, Jan 3rd is really not so terrible, but just doesn't have enough zing in it.

And it's too close to New Years.
 
  • #15
Moonbear said:
Happy pi day! I found the perfect square pie to celebrate. :biggrin:

3063024748_7d252abc83.jpg

That's not pie, it's...

spam.jpg
 
  • #16
Just think how hard they partied on 3/14/1592
 
  • #17
Shouldn't pi day be tomorrow? It rounds up to 3.15
 
  • #18
Pinu7 said:
Shouldn't pi day be tomorrow? It rounds up to 3.15

How? 3.141...rounds down.
 
  • #19
Some of the calculations are done by infinite series approximations. There are proofs that some infinite series converge to the value pi. One can then calculate these infinite series to many many terms and get a good approximation of pi (the faster the series converges the better).

Another method would be to make more and more sided polygons and measuring the perimeter vs "radius" of these polygons. If you get a polygon with 1 billion sides, you get a pretty good approximation of pi as well.
 
  • #20
Moonbear said:
How? 3.141...rounds down.

Oh never mind(well, atleast I know pi is 3-ish). :redface:
 

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