What is the number 0?
The number 0 is an even number that comes before 1 and represents the absence of quantity or value. It is not a prime number because it cannot be divided in a meaningful way by only 1 and itself. In math, 0 plays a crucial role as the identity element for addition—adding 0 to any number leaves the number unchanged. In science, 0 degrees on the Celsius scale marks the freezing point of water. In computing, 0 is one of the two digits used in binary code, forming the foundation of all digital systems. In everyday life, we use 0 as a placeholder in our number system, helping us write large numbers and understand place value. On number lines and thermometers, 0 marks the middle point between positives and negatives, making it a central reference in measurement and comparison.
Number 0 in different languages
- English: Zero
- French: Zéro
- Spanish: Cero
- Arabic: صفر
- German: Null
- Chinese: 零
- Japanese: ゼロ
- Korean: 영
- Portuguese: Zero
- Italian: Zero
- Hindi: शून्य
- Russian: Ноль
- Turkish: Sıfır