Mathematicians And Diners Prepare For Ultimate Pi Day

By Edward Cardenas

SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Mathematicians will celebrate Saturday's date, and those who struggled with high school math may shudder, as the world recognizes Pi Day March 14 (3-14).

The date represents the irrational number 3.14 which expresses the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, and for the only time this century, can be extended to include ten digits at 3/14/15 9:26:53 (which in actuality could be extended to an infinite number for those who recall their math classes).

But while it may seem "irrational" to celebrate the day by those who are numerically inclined, Congress did recognize March 14 as Pi Day in 2009. It is also a day when science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is celebrated.

For those wondering if Pi would be used after math classes, Pi is used to deliver  television and Internet signals, according to a blog by Comcast. The signals that carry video and data to homes over millions of miles of fiber optics and coaxial cable travel along periodic waves which are mathematically calculated by using Pi.

"In today's fast-paced world, STEM education continues to be one the most important initiatives. Media and technology companies need to support and foster a strong pipeline of technologists to keep up with the growing demand for innovation," said Atish Banerjea, EVP and Chief Information Officer, NBCUniversal wrote in a blog post. "Our vast portfolio of brands allows us a unique opportunity to amplify the discussion from a range of perspectives that fit authentically with each audience and their interests. Pi Day is a fun way to spread the word about STEM. Technology isn't just for geeks anymore."

Comcast is extending the celebration to its family of companies through programming and events.

Locally Grand Traverse Pie Co. is offering a free slice of ABC pie with any purchase along with a contest to recite Pi; Blaze Pizza in Novi and Royal Oak is offering $3.14 pies; TechShop is offering admission to its learning center from 2-3 p.m. Saturday for any size or flavor pie and Sister Pie will be at Shed 5 at Eastern Market selling their pies, offering pie stamps and "pie fives."

Hudson Mills MetroPark will also host Michigan's Original Pi Run Saturday which is 3.14 miles and concludes with pie from Achatz Handmade Pie Co. The event is sold out.