Why Zero Is Invented If It Is Nothing

MADRONA A. PELAYO

Zero is used as a number and a place value holder. It represents nothingness although it
stands for many things. Getting a zero score in a test sends various messages. It could mean
inability or unreadiness for a pupil. It could suggest ineffectiveness on the part of the teacher. It
also speaks of family or parent support to the pupil.

The Mesoamerican Mayan developed a place value system including zero.

Acknowledging Maya as the first inventors of zero is reasonable,(Closs, 1986, Native American
Math).It is significant when used as an empty place indicator, (Katz,2009, History of
Mathematics). It can also be used and utilized as a number,( Mcclellan, 2006, Science and
Technology, a World History). Appearance of zero is due to the philosophical notion of
nothingness,(Zsalay, 2013, Who Invented Zero). So, we can still get something good out of
nothing,(Ratner, 2016, How Zero Was Invented).

There was a question underlying the invention of zero. Why invent it when it can’t be
useful as other? The Sumerians scribes of Mesopotamia used zero to indicate absences,(
Kaplan, 2013, The Nothing That Is: A Natural History of Zero ).These people did not use a
symbol to indicate zero. Unlike the Mayans who used a shell to symbolize it, (Siefe,2000, Zero,
The Biography Of A Dangerous Idea). The Chinese Rod Numeration system has no symbol for
zero too, (Morgan and Mc Nerney, 2013).They just leave and empty or blank space for zero,
(.(Katz, 2009, History of Mathematics).

Indians developed zero independently through using it in math equations,(Mastin,

2010, The Story of Mathematics). Brahmasphutasiddhanta” ,a text to treat zero as a true
number. Zero is used as number in mathematical astronomy text significantly,(Joseph, 2016,
Engaging the World From ancient to Modern). Zero, zephirum in Arabic, is used in algebra by
Alkhowarizmi. He is the publisher of Al- Kitab a mathematical text in algebra,( Mastin,2010, The
Story Of Mathematics).

Zero is going far from being blank, empty and nothing. A zero score speaks for many
issues that needs consideration. As a teacher, the zero score is considered a challenge. As a
parent, it must be a reflection of shortcomings. And for the pupils, they should be aware how
zero evolved. Although zero is considered nothing but great people has proven that we can still
get good things out of nothing.

Submitted to:

Mr. Mark Borres

Professor

Number Theory
 Speed Test Scores

Gr. V-Pelayo

Names M T W Th F Average
1.Abanes , Daryl 7 6 7 6 8 7
2.Acedo , Jaybee Janssen 7 8 8 8 8 8
3.Aparre , Jayrell 4 5 4 6 4 5
4.Auguis , Rensil 7 7 7 7 6 7
5.Batobalunos , Edjun 8 9 10 10 10 9
6.Coteron , Shimee Steve 10 10 10 10 10 10
7.Degamo , Rogelio 9 9 9 9 10 9
8.Edralin ,Joseph 4 0 2 2 1 2
9.Fat , John Harvey 2 5 2 0 1
10.Flores , Kyle Vincent 10 2
11.Garcia , Vencent 8 8 8 8 8 8
12.Gemoya , Jerry 10 10 10 10 7 9
13.Gocotano , Justine 7 7 7 5 6 6
14.Joseph , Ian Jake 10 10 10 10 10 10
15.Lastimosa , Lycier 4 4 5 6 5 5
16.Lindayao , John Derek 5 5 5 5 5 5
17.Malabang , Rainer 10 10 10 10 10 10
18.Mancao , Arnel 8 7 8 7 6
19. Mangila , Jonathan 10 10 10 10 8
20.Natural , Mcklien 5 5 5 5 4
21.Navarro , Kylex James 8 8 8 7 9 8
22.Palle , John Carlo 7 8 8 8 8 8
23.Ponsica , Reynel 7 7 7 6 8 7
24.Requiso , Hernick 8 1
25.Arogante , Mariel 10 10 10 10 10 10
26.Asamsa , Donesa 10 2
27.Baydal , Samantha 5 5 5 4 5 5
28.Cabatino , Janelle Raiza 10 10 8 10 10 10
29.Cabatu-an , Monica 10 10 10 10 10 10
30.Campuso , Charlene 7 7 7 7 7 7
31.Ecojedo , Julian 10 10 10 10 10 10
32. Esnani ,Cecille 10 8 3
33.Fernande , Mary Hope 10 10 10 10 10 10
34.Galang , Charlotte 10 10 10 10 8
35.Gallendo , Jasmin 10 2
36. Gomez , Albee 7 8 7 7 7 7
37. Jikilani , Norayma 10 10 4
38.Pantonial , Hannah Jean 6 6 6 7 6 6
39. Quintos , Maria Cristina 10 10 4
40. Saballa , Roselyn 8 9 9 9 9 9
41. Salvador , Nikki 10 10 9 10 10 10
42. Samson , Samantha 10 10 8 8 8 9
43. Sasan , Claris 7 6 7 5 7 7
44. Tiro , Divine Grace 8 8 8 8 9 8
45. Villacorta , Janelle 10 7 2