What is Zero?
The number that counts none. That which has no parts. A point on the number line that divides the positive numbers from the negative numbers. The power index that transforms any quantity into unity.
Zero is the number that means none or nothing. It shows the absence of a quantity. If you have zero apples, you have no apples at all.
Zero plays many important roles in math. It's the starting point when we count, and the number we begin from when moving forward or backward on a number line. It's also the divider between positive and negative numbers—you’ll find zero sitting right in the middle of the number line, marking the boundary between them.
Zero is an important part of basic math operations.
Adding or subtracting zero doesn’t change a number, while multiplying by zero always results in zero. In exponents, raising a number to the power of zero gives you one, which is another unique and powerful property of this number.
Zero is one of the most important ideas in math. It helps us describe, measure, and understand all kinds of problems, from basic arithmetic to advanced algebra and calculus.
Fun fact: There is no symbol for zero in Roman numerals. Ancient Romans didn’t have a way to represent “nothing” as a number, so they simply wrote NULLA for empty values.
When Do Students Learn About Zero?
Students begin learning about zero as a number in early childhood. Over time, they explore how it works in counting, equations, and place value.
Preschool & Kindergarten – Introduction to Zero
Students learn that zero means “none” and begin using it when counting backward or identifying when something is missing.
Grades 1–2 – Using Zero in Operations
Students use zero in addition, subtraction, and place value. They learn how zero changes or maintains the value of a number in different problems.
Grades 3–5 – Deepening Understanding of Zero
Students use zero in larger numbers and equations. They begin to explore zero on the number line, in multiplication, and in the context of exponents.
Grades 6+ – Zero in Algebra and Beyond
Students explore zero as a solution to equations, as the origin on the coordinate plane, and as a key concept in algebraic and exponential expressions.
