The symbol, ‘Pi’

On March 14 of every year, one day is dedicated to the mathematical concept of ‘Pi’, an endless number commonly used in algebra and geometry. Pi starts out with the numbers 3.14 and carries on forever, which is why this National Holiday falls on the 14th day of the third month. 

“Why not have a day for Pi?” FHN math teacher Amy Murray said. “It’s 3/14, and pi is 3.14. We use Pi in geometry. We use Pi in trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, so it’s a radian measure, we use it a lot. So we need Pi.”

Oftentimes, those who are enthusiastic about math or science bake pies to celebrate Pi day. Math teachers from FHN have brought in a variety of pies on March 14, ranging from apple pie all the way to key lime pie. Usually, they will have a math related activity surrounding the pie in which students must work to calculate the circumference or area of the pie. After that, they get to enjoy a treat.

“The letter Pi- like the symbol- I love it,” FHN chemistry teacher Elizabeth Harrison said. “On Pi Day, people usually eat a lot of pie.”

Although Pi might seem like something small that shouldn’t require a National Holiday, Pi is all around students. Whether students are in math class, science class, or just going about their daily life, if they look closely, they might just find something related to Pi.

“I care very much about Pi Day,” Murray said. “I believe it should be represented as a national holiday, because we use Pi all the time.”