International Day Of Mathematics
Every year on March 14th, people around the world gather together to celebrate the importance of mathematics and everything it’s used for.
Mathematics is defined as the study of such topics as quantity, structure, space, and change. This definition makes it sound like you have to be a rocket scientist to do the math. But whether you realize it or not, you probably use mathematics daily. Do you balance your checkbook? When you have to drive somewhere, do you estimate how long it will take to arrive? Do you count calories? Have you ever measured ingredients when you’re cooking? Do you do your own taxes? If you do any of these things, you’re using math!
Besides personal use, many professions use mathematics. In fact, 94% of all workers use some sort of math in their jobs. About 68% of these people use fractions, decimals, and percentages. Some professions that use math daily include:
- Construction manager
- Computer programmer
- Registered Nurse
- Landscape Designer
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Diesel Mechanic
- Carpenter
- Optician
- Photographer
- Pharmacy technician
No matter what profession students in high school and college go into, they are encouraged to study mathematics. Math is often used to solve world-real problems. Math also provides a solid foundation for advanced studies in other fields. It really does seem to be everywhere.
International Day Of Mathematics History
On November 26th, 2019, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed March 14th as the International Day of Mathematics. The Executive Council of UNESCO chose the date of March 14th because they wanted to expand Pi Day to include the whole spectrum of mathematics. The theme of the inaugural International Day of Mathematics, held in 2020, was “Mathematics Is Everywhere.” The International Mathematical Union (IMU) coordinates the day.
