3.1415926535...

…8979323846 2643383279 5028841971 6939937510 5820974944 5923078164 0628620899 8628034825 3421170679…
You might be wondering: are these two out of their minds?! What are these numbers? We’re not sure if your opinion of us will improve when we reveal that this is just a tiny snippet of an infinite sequence. So rejoice! We've simply listed the first 100 digits of the mathematical constant π (pi).

The discovery that the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter is constant – represented by π – dates back to antiquity and has fascinated humanity ever since. The ancient Egyptians and Babylonians measured it; Greek geniuses like Archimedes proved it and established limits (between 3.1408 and 3.1428); Chinese and Indian scholars refined its accuracy; and medieval and modern mathematicians revealed its true nature. What began as a simple observation in circular objects became a profound mathematical constant. Thus, the story of π is a testament to intercultural discoveries, continuous refinement, and gradual understanding, showing that this universal ratio is both fundamental and mysteriously inexhaustible in its decimal expansion.

Since its decimal expansion continues infinitely, π is commonly rounded to 3.14. And why does that matter? you ask. It matters because we celebrate Pi Day on March 14 (3/14)! Why? Because in the Anglo-American date format (month/day), 3/14 corresponds to the first digits of π. This day became even more special for math enthusiasts in 2020. At its 40th General Conference, UNESCO passed a resolution proclaiming March 14 as the International Day of Mathematics. Thus, the day went from being dedicated to just one number to celebrating ALL OF MATHEMATICS! The entire infinite universe of mathematical possibilities. EVERYTHING! All to help us understand the world, from the infinitely small to the infinitely large. Because math isn’t just numbers… it’s the language of the universe!

Astronomer Robert Matthews combined astronomical data with number theory to calculate π, showing that this mathematical constant can emerge naturally from observing the cosmos. Using the movement of celestial bodies, he applied probabilistic concepts and statistical techniques, demonstrating that π is not just an abstract mathematical number—it arises spontaneously from the structure of the universe. His study strengthens the link between mathematics and astronomy, showing that fundamental constants derive from observable natural patterns. Besides highlighting π’s significance, this work suggests there’s still much to explore at the intersections between numbers and nature.

π is one of the most mysterious, universal, and fundamental numbers in mathematics. Here are a few reasons why it continues to captivate mathematicians, scientists, and even philosophers:

  1. π is everywhere in nature. It goes far beyond circles and appears in unexpected areas of math and physics. It shows up in astronomical and physical equations, like the orbital period of planets (derived from Kepler’s third law), the calculation of the universe’s average density, the Schwarzschild equation (which defines the radius of black holes), and in Einstein’s field equations of general relativity. Its intrinsic connection to the structure of the cosmos suggests that mathematics isn’t just a theoretical construct—it’s a reflection of the universe’s order. π’s omnipresence makes it feel like a hidden key to understanding reality.

  2. It’s infinitely mysterious. π is an irrational number, meaning it can’t be expressed as a simple fraction. Its decimal expansion goes on forever without repeating. It’s also a transcendental number, i.e., not the root of any polynomial equation with integer coefficients. Despite centuries of study, no simple formula can fully "capture" it—only approximations.

  3. Mathematical curiosities. The sequence 123456 doesn’t appear in the first million digits of π. The first 144 digits of π add up to 666 (the “number of the beast,” Revelation 13:18). At the 762nd decimal place of π, there's a sequence of six nines in a row (999999), known as the Feynman Point.

  4. It pushes human limits. For centuries, calculating more digits of π has tested human ingenuity and computational power. From geometry and calculus to supercomputers, the number of known decimal places has surpassed 3 trillion. The pursuit of more digits is also used to test the power of supercomputers and the efficiency of mathematical algorithms.

  5. Unsolved mysteries. Does π contain every possible number sequence? Is there a hidden pattern in π? So far it seems completely random, but mathematically proving this randomness remains an open challenge.

  6. π is fun too! From Pi Day celebrations (where people eat pies!) to world records for memorizing digits (the world record exceeds 70,000 digits!), π has a cultural and recreational appeal that goes beyond mathematics.

But there’s more! 3/14 is also Albert Einstein’s birthday, giving math and science lovers more reason to celebrate! And here we are, celebrating this amazing day with you! As you can see, we always try our best to bring a smile to your face.

Simple in its definition but infinitely complex in its essence, π remains one of the most fascinating concepts in the history of human thought. The journey of π through history highlights the collaborative and cumulative progress of mathematics across civilizations, making it truly a universal constant in every sense of the word.

March 14. Pi Day. International Day of Mathematics. A day of unified diversity, we’d say.
If mathematics isn’t just numbers, but the language of the universe, then why does the universe embrace diversity while society still resists inclusion? Mathematics teaches us that every number has its place and function, no matter how distinct. Natural numbers, integers, rationals, irrationals, imaginaries, complex, algebraic, transcendental, prime, composite, perfect, abundant, deficient, real, p-adic, hypercomplex, surreal, ordinals, cardinals, hyperreals, ultrarationals… All coexist in a harmonic system, without arbitrary hierarchies. All essential in fulfilling their purpose.

Likewise, humanity can only thrive when it recognizes the value of every individual, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance. If the very language of the universe is inclusive, why build walls instead of bridges?

Happy International Day of Mathematics!

Talk to us: pxp.cminho@gmail.com


Column published in Correio do Minho on March 15, 2025.



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