Fórmulas de Zeller e Conway para a determinação de dias da semana

Abstract

This dissertation explores the Mathematics behind the Gregorian calendar, focusing on methods to determine the day of the week for any given date, with an emphasis on Zeller’s and Conway’s formulas. The study begins with a presentation of fundamental mathematical concepts, such as divisibility, modular arithmetic, and the floor function, which provide the theoretical foundation for the development of the formulas analyzed. Next, Zeller’s and Conway’s formulas are introduced, accompanied by a detailed explanation of their structures and applications within the context of the calendar. Additionally, the study includes computational implementations of both methods in Python, enabling their reproduction and automated use. The comparative analysis of the formulas highlights their advantages and limitations, emphasizing their applicability in different contexts. Finally, a didactic approach is proposed to introduce Conway’s method into basic education. The instructional sequence presents an innovative and interactive methodology, connecting the mathematical concepts of the calendar to everyday situations, making learning more practical and engaging.