March 14 : International Day of Mathematics / Pi (3.14) Day & Archimedes

For many years now, March 14th marked Pi (π) day around the world, to mark the importance of Pi (π) in maths. Pi (symbolized by the Greek letter π) is the number you get when you divide the circumference of any circle by its diameter, which is a number that starts with 3.14 and goes on forever, as set forth by Archimedes. That is why people chose March 14th to mark Pi (π) day : 3/14. In 2019 UNESCO declared March 14th as the International Day of Mathematics.

Archimedes

Archimedes was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer who lived in Syracuse, Sicily, in the 3rd century BCE. He is considered one of the greatest mathematicians of all time and is known for his contributions to geometry, hydrostatics, mechanics, and astronomy. Archimedes is especially important for his discovery of the relation between the surface and volume of a sphere and its circumscribing cylinder. He is also credited with the invention of the Archimedes screw, a device for raising water that is still used today.

Archimedes was born in Syracuse, Sicily, in 287 BCE. He was the son of an astronomer named Phidias. Archimedes studied in Alexandria, Egypt, where he learned mathematics and physics. He returned to Syracuse, where he spent most of his life. Archimedes published his works in the form of correspondence with the principal mathematicians of his time, including the Alexandrian scholars Conon of Samos and Eratosthenes of Cyrene. He played an important role in the defense of Syracuse against the siege laid by the Romans in 213 BCE by constructing war machines so effective that they long delayed the capture of the city.

Contributions to Mathematics

Archimedes’ contributions to mathematics are numerous. He discovered the principle of buoyancy, which is now known as Archimedes’ principle. He also developed a method for approximating the value of pi. Archimedes’ work on levers and pulleys laid the foundation for the science of mechanics. He also made significant contributions to the study of hydrostatics, including the principle that a body immersed in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.

Archimedes’ impact on the world is immeasurable. His discoveries and inventions have had a profound effect on science and technology. The Archimedes screw, for example, is still used today to pump water and other fluids. Archimedes’ principle is used in the design of ships and submarines. His work on levers and pulleys is the basis for modern engineering. Archimedes’ contributions to mathematics have had a lasting impact on the field, and his work on hydrostatics has been used to develop theories of fluid dynamics.

In conclusion, Archimedes was a brilliant mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer who made significant contributions to the fields of geometry, hydrostatics, mechanics, and astronomy. His discoveries and inventions have had a profound impact on science and technology, and his work continues to influence these fields today. His legacy is a testament to the power of human curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge and he is even featured in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny!

He invented one of the oldest puzzles in the world, The Stomachion, which we challenge you to finish!

To mark Pi (π) day, here is the official website of the Exploratorium in San Francisco.