Posted on September 13, 2019
Oooh, that letter "x"!
It's such a great letter in the middle or end of words - who doesn't like Fox in Socks or Max from Where the Wild Things Are? And taxis and boxes - although I'm not as fond of taxes and waxy build-up!
The letter "x" is more of a problem at the beginning of a word - except X-ray, which is super easy!
Usually, "x" at the beginning of a word sounds like a "z." So...why don't we just use the letter "z"? (In case you're wondering the same thing, it all comes from Greek root words and the difficulty native English speakers have with pronouncing the initial [ks] sound.)
Moving on from phonics to math - hoo, boy, does "x" ever get a workout!!!??!
Is it the name of an axis?
A variable (something that stands for an unknown number)?
A sign for multiplication?
A way of saying "groups of"?
A way of saying "by" when talking about area or measurements?
That last one - finally! - is the way we use "x" in today's special day. "Nine-by-thirteen" or "9x13" Day is called that because a popular pan size is - for those who use inches rather than centimeters - nine inches wide and thirteen inches long. (Most of these pans are about 2 inches deep, but that's not mentioned in most recipes.)
If you Google 9x13, in addition to learning that 9 times 13 is 117, you will see a LOT of pans on offer - metal, glass, Nordic ware - cake pans, baking dishes - covered pans - pans for lasagna...Eventually you'll find recipes.
Of course, 9x13 Day HAS to be celebrated on 9/13 (September 13) - and how you celebrate it is by cooking, baking, and eating stuff in every 9x13 pan you own. I suggest a breakfast casserole with eggs, cheese, and a few veggies; a pan pizza followed by raspberry pretzel jello at lunchtime; cheese lasagna for dinner; and a yummy sheet cake for dessert.
Also on this date:
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