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EVERY YEAR, March 14 is observed as Pi Day or International Mathematics Day. This day is observed every year to recognise the mathematical constant, Pi. The approximate value of Pi is 3.14. The date, when written in the format of month/day (3/14), matches the first three digits of the mathematical constant. Pi, defines the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.

Pi Day 2023 History

The value of Pi was first calculated by a mathematician named Archimedes of Syracuse. It was later accepted by the scientific community when Leonhard Euler used the symbol of Pi in 1737. In 1988, Physicist Larry Shaw first recognised Pi Day. Further, in 2009, the United States House of Representatives designated March 14 as Pi Day.

Later, UNESCO marked Pi Day as the 'International Day of Mathematics' at one of its general conference in 2019. The special occasion of March 14 is also celebrated as the 'Super Pi day' when the first 10 digits of Pi were achieved at 9:26:53 AM in 2015 forming the exact moment along with the date as (3/14/15/92653).

Pi Day 2023 Significance

The first celebration included a circular parade, the cutting of a Pi-shaped pie, and the recitation of pi to as many decimal places as possible. In 2009, a resolution was passed by the United States House of Representatives to officially recognise March 14 as National Pi Day. The day encouraged schools and educators to use Pi Day to promote mathematics education and awareness.

Pi Day 2023 Theme

The theme for International Day of Mathematics 2023 is “Mathematics for Everyone” as per the official website of the celebration. This year’s theme was proposed by Marco Zarco Rotairo, who is from the Trece Martires City National High School in the Philippines.