Whip out your TI-87 calculator this e-Day, February 7, and locate the little button that enhances logarithmic and exponential functions every day. While e might not be a number you’re super familiar with, you’re definitely acquainted with its more renowned counterpart, pi. Much like pi, e is a mysteriously recurring number in mathematics. It has an infinite series of decimal points, starting with 2.718281828, and continues endlessly. This holiday is observed on 2/7 because the date features the same digits as e rounded to the nearest tenth.
History of e-Day
The intricate puzzle of e has intrigued mathematicians for over 400 years, although it has only been fully understood for around 300 years. It first made an appearance in 1618 through a vague mention in the writings of Scottish mathematician John Napier. Napier hinted at a recurring constant by presenting various logarithms he had solved, but frustratingly for his readers, he did not disclose the actual number. Fast forward to 1683, when Jacob Bernoulli was recognized for revealing the analytical treasure while solving a logarithmic expression, leading to the discovery of e. Initially, Bernoulli’s followers referred to the number as b in their correspondence, until Leonhard Euler decided to rename it e in 1731, marking it as the base of all logarithmic expressions. Now, we remember this constant as e in honor of Euler.
Although we can’t pinpoint the exact origins of e-Day or how long it’s been celebrated, the reasoning behind associating this significant numeral with its digit twin is clear. In 2018, a student at the University of Portland realized that the numeric date was 2/7/18, which also corresponds with the first four digits of the beloved constant. This revelation brought joy to analytical minds worldwide, as many math enthusiasts discussed the serendipitous alignment of this date.
e-Day timeline
- 1618: While delving into logarithms and exponents, John Napier unknowingly employs constant e to resolve a series of equations.
- 1683: In the midst of calculating a problem involving continuous interest, Jacob Bernoulli stumbles upon the recurring number 2.7182818, or e.
- 1731: After a century of discourse, Leonhard Euler officially names e as the foundation for all logarithmic functions.
- 2018: Spurring excitement among math majors, Aziz Inan from the University of Portland recognizes a ‘double consecutive e-day’ on 2/7/18.
e-Day FAQs
- How many digits are in e? Both Euler and lesser-known mathematician Fourier have established that e is an irrational number, indicating it possesses infinite digits.
- Why is e special? The number e is a renowned irrational number and is crucial in mathematics as it serves as the base of the Natural Logarithms.
- Why is pi more popular than e? It seems that pi garners more attention because it’s primarily utilized in trigonometry, a concept that’s more accessible to most people compared to exponential growth.
How to Celebrate e-Day
- Sharpen your mind: For many adults, it’s been a long time since they tackled an algebra or calculus problem. This e-Day, take a moment to refresh your skills by calculating a logarithmic equation with constant e.
- Memorize the digits: Remember that one classmate who could recite 100 digits of pi? Try to give e some love this holiday by memorizing its digits as far as you can. This could be a fun challenge for kids or a light-hearted competition among friends.
- Donate a calculator: If there’s one thing the ancestors of e would desire, it’s for more individuals to appreciate the elegance and structure of mathematics. High-end calculators can be pricey, and not every student can afford one. Consider donating a calculator so someone else can enjoy solving the mysteries of e.
5 Facts About STEM Field Workers That Will Puzzle The Mind
- Fat checks: Graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) earn an average of 26% more than their peers with similar educational backgrounds.
- Gender disparity: Only around 25% of those working in STEM fields are women.
- Not just engineers: All medical professions, such as nursing, surgery, and physical and occupational therapy, fall under the STEM umbrella.
- Uneven distribution: While fields like medicine and technology are saturated with qualified candidates, others, like nuclear engineering, face a significant shortage of potential hires.
- Early exposure: Childhood development experts suggest that the best way to spark a child’s interest in STEM is by involving them in activities like cooking, building, and grocery shopping (money management).
Why we Love e-Day
- An overlooked number gets recognition: To mathematicians, e is an old companion. However, to most others, e is the often-ignored sibling of the much more outgoing pi. By honoring e once a year, we give this constant the appreciation it truly deserves.
- It’s a great reminder to sharpen our skills: Honestly, it’s been ages since many of us picked up a calculator for anything beyond simple addition and subtraction. Celebrating e provides a perfect opportunity to revisit those skills from high school and college.
- Math determines much of life: Those of us outside the STEM field might mistakenly believe that such intricate information isn’t relevant to us, but it absolutely is. Each year on e-Day, we reflect on the crucial role that mathematics has played in our society. Without it, our bridges wouldn’t be stable, interest rates would be incomprehensible, and our grocery bills would be entirely unpredictable.
What is the date of e-Day every year?
Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
E-day 2023 | Day 7 Month 1 Year 2023 | Saturday | 0 days |
E-day 2024 | Day 7 Month 1 Year 2024 | Sunday | 0 days |
E-day 2025 | Day 7 Month 1 Year 2025 | Tuesday | 13 days |
E-day 2026 | Day 7 Month 1 Year 2026 | Wednesday | 378 days |
E-day 2027 | Day 7 Month 1 Year 2027 | Thursday | 743 days |
E-day 2028 | Day 7 Month 1 Year 2028 | Friday | 1108 days |
E-day 2029 | Day 7 Month 1 Year 2029 | Sunday | 1474 days |
E-day 2030 | Day 7 Month 1 Year 2030 | Monday | 1839 days |
For more information and resources to celebrate e-Day, visit https://findnomore.net.