Interesting facts about π

 π the most studied quantity in mathematics, and for appropriate reason. The number pi is essential to our understanding of geometry. Pi has many uses in physics, astronomy, and mathematics. Pi is used in structure and development as well, and has been a necessary section of everything from arches and bridges to the Pyramids of Giza.  

     Facts about Pi

• The symbol of Pi has been in use for over 250 years. The symbol was introduced by William Jones, a Welsh mathematician, in 1706. The symbol was made popular by the mathematician Leonhard Euler.

• Since the exact value of pi can never be calculated, we can never find the accurate area or circumference of a circle.

•  March 4 or 3/14 is celebrated as pi day because 3.14 are the first digits of pi. Math nerds around the world love celebrating this infinitely long, never-ending number.

• Physicist Larry Shaw known as prince of π started celebrating 14 March as Pi day at San Francisco’s Exploratorium science museum. 

• Pi is actually a part of Egyptian mythology. People in Egypt believed that the pyramids of Giza were built on the principles of pi. The vertical height of the pyramids have the same relationship with the perimeter of their base as the relationship between a circle’s radius and its circumference. The pyramids are phenomenal structures and are one of the seven wonders of the world.

•  The record for reciting the most number of decimal places of Pi was achieved by Rajveer Meena at VIT University, Vellore, India on 21 March 2015. He was able to recite 70,000 decimal places. To maintain the sanctity of the record, Rajveer wore a blindfold throughout the duration of his recall, which took an astonishing 10 hours! Can’t believe it?

• Aside from being Pi Day, March 14 is Albert Einstein’s birthday. And physicist Stephen Hawking — considered by some to be Einstein’s intellectual successor — died on March 14, 2018. Other Pi Day birthdays include composer Johann Strauss, actors Michael Caine and Billy Crystal, music producer Quincy Jones and Apollo 8 astronaut Frank Borman.