As tensions heat up between the Trump administration and Harvard University—one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the U.S.—President Donald Trump recently made a claim about Harvard’s math curriculum that just doesn’t hold water.

During a swearing-in ceremony at the White House, Trump criticized Harvard, saying the university is now offering “remedial mathematics” courses covering basics like “two plus two is four,” and questioned how students who supposedly struggle with such simple math could have even gotten into Harvard in the first place.

Let’s break down what’s really going on.

The Claim:

“Harvard announced two weeks ago that they’re going to teach remedial mathematics, remedial, meaning they’re going to teach low grade mathematics like two plus two is four. How did these people get into Harvard? If they can’t, if they can’t do basic mathematics, how did they do it?”

The Facts:

Simply put, Harvard does not offer any remedial math class that teaches basic arithmetic like addition or subtraction. What Trump seems to be referring to is a new course format called Mathematics MA5, which launched in fall 2024—not a remedial course, but an enhanced version of Harvard’s introductory freshman calculus class.

James Chisholm, spokesperson for Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, clarified, “Harvard College does not offer any so-called remedial math classes. Math MA5 is a college-level calculus course. It’s just a new format of Math MA, the introductory calculus course that has been taught at Harvard for decades.”

The main difference? MA5 meets five days a week instead of three, providing extra support. However, the homework, exams, and grading for both courses are exactly the same. Both classes serve as prerequisites for more advanced math studies.

Why the Extra Support?

According to Harvard’s Director of Introductory Math, Brendan Kelly, the MA5 course was designed to help students who may have lost some foundational algebra skills due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The extra sessions focus on reinforcing algebra, geometry, and quantitative reasoning skills, rather than teaching elementary arithmetic.

What About Harvard Extension School?

Some confusion may come from Harvard Extension School, a separate program aimed at adult learners and continuing education students. This school offers precalculus and other courses, but it is completely separate from Harvard College—the undergraduate program with highly competitive admissions.

James Chisholm emphasized, “Harvard Extension School is 100% distinct from Harvard College and the two have nothing to do with each other in terms of curriculum or students.”

Supporting Students with Additional Needs

Harvard also runs programs like the Rising Scholars Program and Emerging Scholars Program, which provide extra academic support to select incoming and current students who come from high schools with limited advanced coursework opportunities. These programs aim to address long-standing inequalities in K-12 math and science education and are not about teaching basic arithmetic to students who can’t do math.

The Reality of Harvard Admissions

Let’s put this in perspective: the median math SAT score for Harvard’s most recent entering class was an impressive 790 out of 800. The average ACT math score was 35 out of 36, with a median high school GPA of 4.2.

Brian Taylor of Ivy Coach, a college counseling service, sums it up best: “There is no university in America as difficult to get into as Harvard—no matter your background. President Trump’s math here simply doesn’t add up.”

Bottom Line

While Harvard continues to provide support to ensure all students are ready for rigorous college-level math, it does not teach remedial arithmetic to undergraduates. The claim that Harvard is offering “low grade” math like basic addition is not just inaccurate—it’s misleading.

Source: AP News – FACT FOCUS: Trump’s claims about remedial math at Harvard don’t add up

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March 14—better known as Pi Day—is a time when math enthusiasts, from college students to rocket scientists, celebrate the famous mathematical constant, pi (π). The date, written as 3/14, represents the first three digits of the infinite number that has fascinated mathematicians for centuries. But Pi Day isn’t just about numbers—it’s also an opportunity to enjoy delicious pies, engage in fun math challenges, and honor scientific achievements.

What Is Pi?

At its core, pi is a mathematical constant that expresses the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. This number appears in countless equations used in physics, astronomy, engineering, and other scientific fields. Its origins trace back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, Babylon, and China, long before modern technology enabled precise calculations.

Mathematically, pi is considered both a constant and an irrational number—meaning its decimal representation goes on forever without repeating. Historically, figures such as Isaac Newton spent countless hours manually calculating its decimal places. Today, computers have determined trillions of digits of pi, yet its sequence remains infinite and unpredictable.

A Brief History of Pi Day

The modern celebration of Pi Day began in 1988 when physicist Larry Shaw initiated festivities at the Exploratorium, a science museum in San Francisco. However, the day gained national recognition much later. In 2009, the U.S. Congress officially designated March 14 as Pi Day, aiming to boost interest in math and science education. Fittingly, this mathematical holiday also coincides with the birthday of legendary physicist Albert Einstein.

Why Is It Called Pi?

The Greek letter π was first used to represent the number in 1706 by Welsh mathematician William Jones. The choice makes sense: pi is the first letter in the Greek words “periphery” and “perimeter,” both of which relate to the concept of a circle’s circumference.

Real-World Applications of Pi

Pi isn’t just an abstract number—it plays a crucial role in numerous practical applications, including:

• Space Exploration: NASA uses pi daily to calculate planetary orbits, spacecraft trajectories, and even parachute deployments for landings on Mars.
• Engineering & Construction: From designing massive refinery equipment to determining the scale of heating and air conditioning systems, pi helps in construction and infrastructure planning.
• Communication Technology: The number is essential for accurately directing satellite antennas and optimizing signal transmissions.
• Scientific Calculations: Using only nine digits of pi, scientists can calculate Earth’s circumference with an accuracy of about a quarter-inch (0.6 cm) over 25,000 miles (40,000 km).

How Is Pi Day Celebrated?

Pi Day celebrations take many forms, from academic contests to pie-eating festivities.

• San Francisco’s Exploratorium continues its tradition of a Pi Day parade, circling the Pi Shrine exactly 3.14 times, followed by plenty of pie.
• College Events Across the U.S. include math competitions, pi recitation challenges, and even opportunities for students to throw pies at professors. At Florida Atlantic University, students compete to memorize the most digits of pi.
• Restaurant Deals: Many pizza and pie shops offer $3.14 specials in honor of the day.
• NASA’s Pi Day Challenge: The space agency engages the public with online games and puzzles based on real-world scientific problems, such as calculating an asteroid’s orbit or mapping a moon rover’s route.

The Einstein Connection

Pi Day holds extra significance because it coincides with the birthday of one of history’s greatest minds—Albert Einstein, born on March 14, 1879. His groundbreaking theories often incorporated pi in complex equations. Adding a twist to the cosmic alignment, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018, further linking the date to scientific greatness.

A Reminder from Hawking

Despite pi’s infinite nature, perfection remains an illusion. As Stephen Hawking once said:

“One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist. Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.”

Final Thoughts

Pi Day is more than just a celebration of a mathematical constant—it’s a tribute to human curiosity, scientific progress, and the joy of learning. Whether you’re solving equations, enjoying a pizza, or simply appreciating the wonders of the universe, March 14 is a day to embrace the infinite possibilities of math and science.

Source

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