Pimon Guide

Sometimes written as p, sometimes written as pi - this is a mathematical constant of the ratio of any circle's circumference (doesn't matter how big or small) to its diameter. Even young schoolboys and girls know that it's approximately equal to 3.14. This mathematical constant is one of the MOST important as different formulae in math, science, as well as engineering depend on it (Ex.: the area of a circle is equal to pi multiplied by the square radius of the circle.)

Pi is an irrational number. It cannot be expressed exactly as a fraction that has both a numerator and denominator. Its decimal value never ends and never repeats! It is also transcendental -no finite sequence of algebraic operations on integers can render its value. No doubt, this was one of the most significant mathematical achievements in the 19th century. It's not at all uncommon to find reports on the latest and most accurate calculation of pi, which, as of September 2011, stands at 5 trillion decimal digits!

Well, I could go on and on and on about how important pi is; how non-mathematical cultures view it; etc. BUT what's important right, especially for kids, is that you can have FUN with this mathematical constant with Pimon! In this math game developed by Hooda Games, your job sounds simple: you have to repeat the patterns / numbers from pi by clicking on the numbers on the wheel. 3, 1, and 4 are the first three numbers of pi (3.14 remember?), so the first 3 turns should be a piece of cake for you. BUT what about after 3 turns? Do you know the next 3, 4, 5 or 10 numbers of the pi (3.14)? If you don't, you shouldn't worry. The computer will play out the patterns first. All you have to do is follow it.

This may sound too easy. BUT remember, the numbers consisting pi is INFINITE! Will you be able to remember the first 10 or 20 digits of pi? Yes, the more numbers you memorize of pi, the further you will go and the MORE you score. Now, for those of you who are thinking about cheating - opening another tab and consulting... say Wikipedia for the correct sequence of pi, don't even think about it. The game has a time limit (which depends on how far into the game you have gone). It's almost impossible to have enough time to consult a source like Wikipedia and click all the numbers. Well, if you think your fingers are fast enough, then go ahead. BUT that defeats the whole purpose of the game, don't you think?

Anyway, summing things up, Pimon has to be one of the most kid-friendly and most creative math games you could ever lay your hands on! I mean think about it - would you think that pi has its uses outside the realm of mathematical and scientific formula... and that it could be FUN? Aside from the fun part, this math game helps your child's memorization skills while sparking up his interest not just in pi but in math itself. This game could help introduce your child to pi, its discovery, its different uses in everyday life, and those are just to name a few.

As for the design and the sound track, they are above average - it's good and not distracting. BUT the real fun in this math game - Pimon, is in the game itself. How far can you go? I have gone all the way to the 9th digit of pi before I faltered. I dare you to beat that!