Eight reasons Pi Day is the best day of the year at MIT
Fun facts about Pi, π, 3.14, how MIT is into it, and why it’s a perfect day for supporting Open Learning.
By Stephen Nelson and Yvonne Ng
MIT has always embraced their inner geek. We have an acapella group called the “Logarhythms” (get it, logarithm). So, it’s not surprising that MIT is absolutely in love with the date March 14. For most, it’s just another day, but at MIT, March 14 or rather 3/14 (sometimes also written 3.14) is a genuine celebration. No pi versus pie pun is left untold — or uneaten. Continue reading if you’d like to learn more about how Pi Day became such an irrational yet well-rounded day on campus (see what we did there?).
- For potential incoming Freshman, Pi Day is the day when notifications are sent. The announcements usually come at 6:28 p.m. (“Tau Time”).
- Pi Day became a national holiday in 2009 when the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation. But, we still have to come to work and/or attend class.
- The number π is a mathematical constant that is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately equal to 3.14159. The number π appears in many formulas in math, physics, engineering, and science. And it makes a neat T-shirt.
- Each department at MIT will usually have a pie swap or bake off.
- There may even be a sacrificial pie to the face (do not try this at home).
- Pi has infinite digits, but some people have memorized part of it. We’ve stopped students in the Infinite Corridor to ask them how many digits they can recite.
- The MIT Museum recently opened its doors at their new location — you guessed it, 314 Main Street.
- MIT’s annual giving day falls on Pi Day this year! Did you know that you can help us show the world how open and free programs like OpenCourseWare and MITx are changing lives for the better? If we meet our participation goal of 500 supporters, we will unlock an additional $20,000 from a generous alumni donor.
MIT Open Learning works to transform teaching and learning at MIT and around the globe through the innovative use of digital technologies. With your support, you can help us reimagine education and continue to open learning.
Eight reasons Pi Day is the best day of the year at MIT was originally published in MIT Open Learning on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.