The many whys that promoted mathematicians and math educators (or even nonmath people like artists and creatives) to toy around with the number π for centuries, be it to prove a beautiful theorem, promote the constant in popular culture (art, fashion, perfume, cellphone, movie, and the like), collaborate as a community, challenge tradition, leave a mathematical legacy, or show their intelligence.
Like art and philosophy, pi mesmerizes both math and nonmath people in every corner of the globe. No wonder, those outside the pi community would often ask: What’s the point of pi?
by Numerati October 16, 2024
Get the What’s the Point of Pi? mug.by the132guy November 23, 2024
Get the pi mug.When the number π is used to draw attention to herself through posters, banners, and graffiti in public places, because these oft-powerful images can influence or change people’s minds about the mathematical constant.
Unlike other noteworthy but struggling constants like e and 𝜙, π has continually succeeded to be part of popular culture, because she believes that “pi as propaganda” is an effective marketing tool to remain relevant in the minds of both math and nonmath people.
by Numerati November 23, 2024
Get the Pi as Propaganda mug.Sometimes used as a term for any European born in Africa, but directly used for ethnic French born in North African colonies before their independence (1830-1960).
by chzyahh December 11, 2024
Get the pied noir mug.When π, the world’s most arguably beloved or beautiful mathematical constant, weighs the pros and cons of revealing too little or too much about herself in order to maximize her universal appeal, while minimizing any negative publicity or fallout, in popular culture.
With fierce fellow competitors like e and 𝜙 watching her every move to outwit her, it’s no surprise that π is perpetually paranoid—pi calculus remains a necessary evil for her to maintain her competitive edge.
by Numerati December 12, 2024
Get the Pi Calculus mug.When the number π is aware of injustice and discrimination against other fellow mathematical constants that have not got the same opportunity or media coverage as her, but she is indifferent to all that because speaking up and out about these issues or biases is not to her benefit.
Wokie pi doesn’t want to rock the mathematical boat that has ferried her to so many areas of interest patronized by mathematicians and math educators.
by Numerati December 25, 2024
Get the Wokie Pi mug.The mathematical equivalent of a meeting-free day or passport-less travel. When the sight of the symbol π is enough to trigger panic or paranoia among billions of folks worldwide, who think they weren’t born or blessed with the “math gene.”
Just as a math book without equations or formulas could raise the sales figures by a few folds, a pi-free math book could give thousands of math-anxious folks more confidence in picking up a pop math book without feeling unduly stressed.
by Numerati January 2, 2025
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