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zero
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The number zero A large black numeral zero centered on an orange background, visually representing the concept of zero. Sumerian inscriptions A Babylonian mathematical tablet Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle Clock with Roman numerals A chart displays the Mayan numeral system, showing symbols for numbers 0 to 19 using dots and bars, and demonstrates how larger numbers are formed by stacking these symbols vertically in a base-20 system. An example calculation on the right breaks down the number 258,458 using Mayan numerals and powers of 20. The Bakhshali manuscript fragment displayed in a case, showing ancient script with a small black dot representing the earliest known numeral zero. Statue of Aryabhata at the Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, India. The number zero

zero: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • Anoushka Pant
    Anoushka Pant holds a degree in elementary education, with a focus on mathematics, education, and psychology, from Miranda House, University of Delhi.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Add new Web site: Story of Mathematics - Zero. Aug 25, 2026
Add new Web site: OpenStax - Prealgebra 2e - Properties of Identity, Inverses, and Zero. Nov 22, 2025
Add new Web site: NPR - Zero is a young number in human history. How do our brains understand it? Oct 01, 2025
Add new Web site: CBC Radio - The story of zero: How 'nothing' changed the world. Aug 22, 2025
New article added. Jul 11, 2025
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