The concept of zero in mathematics was first discovered by which ancient civilization?

Study for the Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Exam. Prepare with diverse question formats and detailed explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

The concept of zero as a mathematical entity was first fully developed by ancient Indian mathematicians. In India, the idea of representing nothingness or the absence of a quantity evolved into a numerical symbol. This innovation was crucial as it allowed for more complex calculations and the development of a place-value system, which fundamentally transformed mathematics.

One of the earliest explicit uses of zero can be found in the work of the Indian mathematician Brahmagupta in the 7th century, who described rules for arithmetic operations using zero. The symbol for zero that we use today was also developed during this period, demonstrating the importance of Indian contributions to mathematics. This foundational concept was later transmitted to the Middle East and Europe, influencing a wide range of mathematical developments.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy