Zero (0) is a
number.
It has been introduced into
mathematics relatively late, during the early
800s in
Indian books.
Prior mathematical systems, such as the
Babylonian or
Greek, did not use zero at all, but still succeded quite well for everyday purposes.
Some basic rules for dealing with zero:
- It is the [neutral element]? in addition and subtraction?.
- Any number multiplied? by zero becomes zero.
- Division by zero is undefined.
- Any number with zero as exponent (x0) is one, except perhaps for x = 0.
- Zero as the base of an exponent (0x) is zero if x > 0.
- 00 is one or undefined, depending on context.
The
year zero does not exist. It is a "point in time" between the years [1 B.C.]
? and
1.