3.14159 Reasons to Love Maths

Saturday 14 March is the International Day of Mathematics and Pi Day. This date was chosen because it links to the first three digits of π. So, what is π?

If you take any circle and divide the circumference by its diameter, you will always get the number π. It is a very special number because it is a never-ending, non-recurring decimal that cannot be expressed as a fraction. The first few digits of π are 3.1415926535…, and it continues forever.

An easy way to remember the formula for the circumference of a circle (C = πd) is the phrase “Cherry Pie Is Delicious”, and for the area of a circle (A = πr²), “Apple Pies Are Too.” This week, students and staff were treated to a Pi-themed lunch which included a selection of savoury pies, followed by cherry and apple pie for dessert.

The Maths department also ran the annual Pi Recital Competition, where students were challenged to recite π to as many decimal places as possible. Special mentions go to two of our amazing students: Finley Charnock (Seniors), who recited π to 390 decimal places, and Hamza Ahmed (Prep), who recited 169 digits.

All students who entered will receive house points, and awards will be presented in assembly.