Is Zero (0) a number?

Answer 1

Don't get so hung up on whether someting is a number or not, just let the power of mathematics flow through you, and you will see that it doesn't matter any more. With the power of mathematics, you can integrate trees over the length of a highway!
&)

Answer 2

Oh I hope so. Otherwise all that stuff I studied at university is probably wrong!

Being less facetious for a moment, it depends on what you mean be "number". When we talk about natural numbers, one usable definition is "the number of things that could be in a (finite) set". If we allow sets to be empty then we must allow 0 to be a number. (The set of sweets I have is empty once I've eaten my last sweet.)

In general, we come up with more useful and generic mathematic stuff if we allow 0 to be a natual number (which is the same argument for why 1 is not a prime - it would just get in the way if it were).

If you were to have a different definition of "number", e.g. "counting things you can actually see", then perhaps for your definition 0 is not a number. But I'll bet your definition gets in the way of discussion certain problems.

But take solace in the fact that many over the years have wondered about "allowing" 0. The Greeks struggled about whether root(2) was a "number". Lots of people struggle with whether i = root(-1) is a "number"...

Answer 3

Ummm... without zero lots of theories would be moot. It certainly is a number but why it exists could be debated. Group theory states that in order for there to be a "group" there must be the zero element. It's easy to understand using numbers. You must be able to do two things:

1. Be able to multiply any number by such a number that the product is the original number. This is called identity.
2. Be able to add any number to another such number that the sum is the original number. This is another form of identity.

For the first axiom you need 1. All numbers multiplied by 1 makes the original number. The second axiom needs 0. You can add 0 to any number and you'll retain that number. This philosophical concept of zero is necessary in many subjects, such as group theory applied to chemistry point groups.

Answer 4

Zero is a number as far as any other number being a number is concerned. The only way I can see that being argued is that 0 is a lack of a number.

Answer 5

Suppose you have an equation 6+ x =6

x=0 is the solution in the set of real numbers

Suppose you have the equation

x squared = -1 has no real number solution.

This is the difference between a number and no number.

Answer 6

-10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10


yep it's a number

Answer 7

Depends. It's included in the list of whole numbers since it starts from 0. It's not in the list of counting numbers which start from 1. Enjoy!

Answer 8

No.

(This is a philosophical answer not necessarily a regurgitation of mathematical theory)

ZERO stands for non-existence.
There is no such thing as non-existence because I exist. Therefore, zero has no substance.

ZERO does not exist. It is a figment of our imagination. You can not imagine non-existence, what to speak of show it to someone. How can you accept a theory of non-existence if you have never seen one? As soon as you point to non-existence and say "See there it is" you have something.

ZERO does not exist on the Absolute plane.
ZERO is rather a relative expression of the material realm of space and material time.

So next time you dial [phone], leave off the zero and see where you get!

You will get no where FAST! :)

The consolation is that you are already somewhere. So be satisfied with what you already have and stop striving for ZERO!

Have a great day existing.

Answer 9

Yes, zero is a number. All numbers give amount. Zero is an amount. Besides, why will 1,000 be one thousand without using zero. Without zero, numbers won't be everlasting.

Answer 10

Yes it is a number. It is precisely the number that do the transition between the positive and the negative numbers.

Answer 11

Yes