It’s Pi Day, and irrational number enthusiasts around the world are celebrating the mathematical constant by performing experiments and, of course, eating lots of pie.
The number pi, which is approximately 3.14, is celebrated annually on March 14, but according to Vancouver businesses and event organizers, the day is garnering more attention every year.
Dozens of pi fans will gather at Simon Fraser University Friday to observe the special day and perform an experiment.
SFU professor Dr. Veselin Jungic said the celebration will mark the mathematical concept that has intrigued humans throughout history.
Pi is defined as the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It is also involved in calculating the area of a circle, the volume of a sphere, and many other mathematical formulas.
Participants have been asked to bring their laptops to take part in the experiment. The public can also take part by watching the live stream online.
If performing all those mathematical calculations has worked up an appetite, pie will be served after the experiment.
Eating pie has become the unofficial way to celebrate the day and Vancouver businesses are cashing in on the irrational number.
Aphrodite’s Cafe and Pie Shop has brought in extra staff and is extending their hours for the big day.
“We’re going to serve a lot of pie,” said employee Ben Jacobs. “We have an extra server on because last year we didn’t prepare for it and it was nuts, it was a circus.”
This year, the cafe not only has extra staff, plenty of pies and extended hours until 10:30 p.m.
“Every pie is going to be treated extra special for Pi Day. We are really excited here,” Jacobs said.
Acme Cafe is also expecting a boom in business. They are making an “abundance of pies” to accommodate a bigger crowd.
Although it’s still a year away, Jungic is already looking forward to next year’s Pi Day.
“Next year is going to be really special because it’s 3.1415, the first five numbers of pi,” he said.
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