Christoph Sorger, Professor of Mathematics, Nantes University, Nantes, France

Homepage(s): Curriculum, Publications, Chow

First email: 26 March 2023 @ 3:38 PM

Dear Prof. Dr. Christoph Sorger:

I come to you primarily in your role as the IMU Secretary General and the prime mover of the International Day of Mathematics (IDM), once known as Pi Day. I’m concerned that we are losing some focus on pi (π) as a study unto itself. I would like to propose a virtual study group of the very nature of pi (π) that might provide an annual report to the IMU of progress.

I’ll propose some study questions below.  Thank you.

Warm regards,

Bruce

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PS: These are a few questions that group might address:

1. Might pi (circles/spheres) be considered a definition of perfection?
2. Might its infinite series, never-ending numbers, be considered a perfection of continuity?
3. Might its shape be a perfection of symmetry?
4. Might its dynamics be a perfection of harmony (Fourier)?
5. Might sphere dynamics, particularly cubic close packing of equal spheres, begin the definition of tetrahedrons and octahedrons?
6. Might the packing of five tetrahedrons with its 7.356+ degree gap be the beginning of imperfections?
And so on.

PPS. Mar 27, 2023, 10:11 AM: A pro forma response, “The IMU does not engage into individual study groups, so we will not be able to add this to our activities.”