Zero is the real hero

By Sunayana Singh

The number zero is one of the most important inventions in human history, revolutionising mathematics and science. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, where the Babylonians used a placeholder to indicate the absence of a number in a place value system.

However, the concept of zero as a number did not emerge until the 5th century AD in India. Indian mathematicians developed the decimal place value system and introduced the zero symbol as a dot. This system was then adopted by Arab mathematicians, who spread it to Europe and the rest of the world. The Italian mathematician, Fibonacci, played a key role in introducing the Hindu-Arabic numeral system to Europe in the 12th century.

The invention of zero had a profound impact on Mathematics and Science. It made complex calculations possible that would have been impossible before.  This discovery also played a crucial role in the development of algebra and calculus.

Today, the number is essential for all. It is used in everything from basic arithmetic to complex scientific calculations. It is also used in computers and other digital devices.

Moreover, zero is important for the place value system which allows us to write and represent numbers of any size. It is also the additive identity of the integers and real numbers, which means that adding zero to any number does not change its value.

Zero is important for understanding negative numbers and fractions. It is the starting point for many scales, such as the temperature scale and the number line. It’s an essential tool for solving problems and making decisions.

Below is a brief timeline of the history of the number zero:

3rd century BC: Babylonians use a placeholder zero in their place value system.

5th century AD: Indian mathematicians develop the decimal place value system and introduce the zero symbol as a dot.

9th century AD: Arab mathematicians adopt the Hindu-Arabic numeral system and spread it to the rest of the world.

12th century AD: Italian mathematician, Fibonacci, introduces the Hindu-Arabic numeral system to Europe.

Today: Zero is essential for Mathematics, Science, and Technology.