Pizza By Numbers: What The World Has Learned From Pizza
Posted on: 23 December 2014
Are you thinking about ordering in? While you wait for your pizza to be delivered, you should take a few minutes to appreciate how popular pizza is around the world, and how much humanity has learned from a simple, circular food. From mathematics to economics, something as simple as your evening meal is inspiring people to come up with new theories about how the world works. Additionally, children are learning in a fun and exciting way by dissecting their own pizzas.
Pizza Theorem
How to divide a pizza evenly has given rise to several mathematical formulas, the most popular of which is called the pizza theorem. The pizza theorem allows you to divide a pizza evenly between two people, even if the place where the cuts in the pizza intersect are not exactly in the middle of the pizza. Later additions to the theory involve more cuts to divide a pizza equally between any number of people.
A similar math equation is known as the lazy caterer's sequence, and it allows the caterer, or whoever is slicing you pizza, to know the maximum number of slices that can be made with the fewest amount of cuts. Unfortunately, this sequence doesn't give you slices that are equal in size or amount of crust.
Furthermore, pizza is commonly used in game theory, in which people investigate how individuals would maximize the amount of pizza they get if they have to alternate selecting slices with a friend.
Whether these equations were inspired by pizza or not, the popularity of pizza throughout the world makes them easier for people to understand.
The Price of Pizza Vs. a Subway Ticket
The pizza principle is an interesting economic phenomenon in New York City, in which the average cost of a single slice of pizza is equal to the cost of a subway ticket. Although this may not hold true in every major city (although it is close), it is definitely something worth thinking about. Besides letting you know ahead of time how much you can expect to pay for a slice of pizza when you are traveling, the pizza principle gives people a way to discuss economic issues such as inflation and comparative product value.
Of course, the principle does not take into account gourmet pizza shops, where pizza can apparently cost $1,000-$2,400 per pie.
Pizza In Education
Since pizza is such a popular food, especially with children, it is often used by teachers as an example for countless ideas. When children learn basic math, pizza is often used to help explain fractions. It is also a good way to explain what a venn diagram is and why it is useful. These types of lessons can also teach children about sharing and conflict resolution.
Additionally, since pizza is such a diverse food, with many different types of toppings, pizza can be used to teach children basic nutrition. Teachers often use a pizza party to allow students to practice the fine motor skill of chopping vegetables while learning the basic food groups and even discussing portion size.
Also, pizza is a wonderful introduction to culture. Students in classrooms can discuss the different types of fresh ingredients available around the world, as well as cultural preferences regarding toppings, dough, and sauces for pizza.
Whether you are a pizza connoisseur, or only occasionally order a slice, it is amazing to think about all of the different ways that such a simple food has impacted the ways humans perceive and order the world around them. The next time you order pizzas, share some of these fun facts, and become the pizza expert among your friends.
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