Celebrating Pi Day: A mathematical extravaganza

Every 14th of March, math enthusiasts from around the world come together to honor the famous irrational number — π. Affectionately called Pi Day, this day is also recognized as the International Day of Mathematics (IDM) where people worldwide celebrate the importance and impact of mathematics in various fields. The Ateneo Pi Day Celebration, spearheaded by the Department of Mathematics and the Ateneo Mathematics Society (AMS), was filled with sweet treats, exhibits, mathematical activities, and friendly competitions, which allowed the Ateneo community to engage in mathematics in fun and interactive ways.

The activities were held at the SEC-B Foyer, where, upon entering, visitors could contribute to a Pi-chain link based on the digits of the number pi. As a reward for their contribution, attendees were treated to ice cream to start off their sweet journey throughout the exhibit.

In line with this year’s IDM theme of Mathematics, Art and Creativity, the event featured an all-day exhibit of multi-layered acrylic tiling models produced by students from a Linear Algebra for Games Programming class under Dr Mark Loyola. Using the concepts from linear algebra, the students constructed these models by first designing them in a computer algebra system. Laser cutting and engraving tools then enabled the students to produce the acrylic models. Thus, the designs demonstrate both the students’ creativity and mathematical skill.

Adding to the display of beautiful patterns, the Pi Day exhibit also featured a display of Magic Eye posters, also known as stereograms, which challenged visitors of the exhibit to find the 3D image hidden behind various 2D repeating patterns.  For visitors who just wanted to relax, there were looping short mathematics-related videos that were being shown in one corner.

For attendees who wished to flex their mental muscles more, there was a Guess-timate booth that challenged passersby to estimate the value of the coins in a jar, number of rice grains in a container, and the count of paper sheets in a stack. There was also a space for avid puzzle solvers to sit down and apply their logic and problem solving abilities on Sudoku games, nonograms, and other activities.. For those who were more creatively inclined, there was a Pi-ku board where visitors can leave a 3-line poem with syllables following a 3-1-4 pattern.  

For those with an appetite for competition—quite literally—the much-anticipated pie-eating contest did not disappoint. This event, which was fittingly scheduled at 3:14 pm, garnered a full-packed crowd, and generated wholesome uproars and cheers. Featuring pairs of students from different levels and courses and even beloved professors, every duo duked it out to determine who was the best pie-eating pair.

Amidst the shouting and cheers, out of the 15 competing pairs, team Piderman, composed of Karl Chester Galapon and Vince Dexter Ang, astonished the crowd by devouring the pies fastest amongst the competition, making for one of the most talked-about moments of the day.

Finally, throughout the day, a fan-favorite fundraiser contest was taking place featuring the beloved faculty of the Mathematics department. Organized by AMS, students and even alumni were enjoined to vote for their favorite Ateneo mathematics professor by contributing 1 peso for each vote. 

It was a surprisingly nail-biting competition with numerous lead changes periodically reported throughout the day. When the voting period ended at 8 pm, supporters of Sir Clark Go emerged triumphant, followed by supporters of Calvin Sia and then of Ramil Bataller. While only the top three professors will be receiving prizes, the fundraiser proved to be a fun way for students to pay tribute to their beloved mathematics teachers (and raise funds for future AMS community activities and events).

The numerous activities, exhibits, and competitions, provided an avenue for everyone, from passersby to math enthusiasts, to celebrate Pi Day and foster a love for mathematics and the community spirit behind it. With such an enthusiastic response, the Department of Mathematics and the Ateneo Mathematics Society look forward to making next year’s Pi Day celebration even bigger and better!