Why is the number zero so important?

Question

I just want to know why is zero important.

Answer 1

It provides continuity between negative and positive numbers.  Without it as a placeholder for powers, no numbering system (binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal, or others) could be used to represent values.  In physics, absolute zero is a temperature that can be approached with increasing difficulty but never reached.

Answer 2

zero is nothing, but in math, it is something!!!

let's try a simple one. let's say you have $10, and I have $100. it's only 1 zero different, but has a huge difference in value.

0 can only be in the numerator. 0 in denominator would give error. Let's think for a second. you have 0 cookies, you want to share with your 2 other friends, oh wait you can't because you have no cookies. Okay now, if you have 3 cookies, and you want to distribute it to no one (not even you) how can that be possible !?!

that's all i can think off for now

oh and another thing you should know, zero is a hero =) just a joke :P

Answer 3

I wouldn't know what the official explanation is, but I can try to explain it in my own words.

Mathematics is all about quantities. Some, more, lots. Whatever. But we can only express those amounts as numbers, or mathematical statements, if we're able to compare it to "nothing"

So therefore we need a way to express "nothing" in a way that fits in with our ways of expressing "something".

Answer 4

It allows the possibility of the number system we have today, as opposed to the roman numeral system. The Arabic numeral system is much more efficient in almost every way. It's just one small step towards what we have achieved in math, science, and engineering today.

Answer 5

-1,0,1

10,100,1000