How to Celebrate Pi Day

Pi, π, is the mathematical formula in which the circumference of any circle, divided by its radius equals 3.14159. What makes pi really interesting to lovers of math is that it is an infinite number. Pi Day began in San Francisco on March 14, 1988 (3.14) and continues to grow in popularity, especially among mathematics teachers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Recognize the appropriate day and time. Pi Day is celebrated based on the American date formatting (month-date) 3.14, or March 14. Pi Minute is celebrated on 3.14 at 1:59 p.m. Pi Second is celebrated on 3.14 at 1:59:26. Secondary Pi Day is celebrated on July 22. This is based on the European date formatting (date-month) and pi represented as the fraction 22/7.
2. Dress for the occasion. On March 14, wear prints with circles, clothing with circular buttons, circular shaped jewelry. Or you can decorate or buy a shirt with the π symbol.
3. Bake your favorite pie in honor of Pi Day. Share it with others.
4. Eat circular foods all day including cereals, pizza, waffles, cookies and eggs.
5. Send pi greeting cards, in a circular shape to remind friends of this important day.
6. Measure a circle’s circumference and radius. Do the math. See if it comes out to 3.145926.
7. Memorize the digits of pi. According to the Teach Pi Day website (see Resources below), the North American record is 10,980 recited in 75 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Mach 14 is also Albert Einstein’s birthday. Celebrate this with a round birthday cake.