Who invented Zero?

The concept of zero has not always been around, however, the introduction of zero brought a lot of changes not only in math but also in the general life of people.

Zero has so many different names, for example, ‘null’, ‘nil’, ‘0’ as a digit, ‘sunya’ in Sanskrit, and so on. It is fascinating how the origin of zero bought changed and now it is used as a prime digit in mathematics. Before learning about the modern zero, let’s learn about the origin of zero in India.

Who Invented Zero? Aryabhatta

Origin of Zero in India

The origin of zero in India came from a well-known astronomer and mathematician of his time, Aryabhatta. The well-known scientist used zero as a placeholder number. In the 5th century, Aryabhatta introduced zero in the decimal number system and hence, introduced it in mathematics. After Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta described rules for zero in the 7th century. The most evident proof of the origin of zero in mathematics is mentioned in the oldest manuscript of India known as the ‘Bakshali manuscript’, zero was used as a dot in the book.

History of Zero in India

The history of zero in India goes back to the 5th century. In the 5th century, a well-known mathematician and astronomer named Aryabhatta introduced zero in India.

Earlier, zero was represented as a dot in mathematics and later when it reached Arab, an oval shape was given to the number that we today know as the ‘0’ digit. This is the reason why zero belongs to the Hindu-Arabic numeral system. After Aryabhatta, Bramhaputra is credited for zero, in the 7th century, Bramhaputra started using zero in mathematical operations.

Modern Zero

The modern zero was later introduced when zero reached China from India and later reached the Middle East.

In around 773 AD, the mathematician Mohammad ibn-Musa al-Khowarizmi studied and synthesized Indian arithmetic and showed how zero functioned in the system of formulas he called ‘al-jabr’—today known as algebra.

Around 1200 AD, Italian mathematician Fibonacci introduced zero in Europe. Initially, zero was called ‘Sunya’ in India, it was called ‘Sifr’ in the middle east when it reached Italy, it was named ‘Zefero’ and later in English, it was called ‘Zero’.

Who Actually Invented Zero?

The specific individual credited with the invention of zero is not known. The development of zero as a mathematical concept was likely a gradual process that involved contributions from multiple cultures and mathematicians over centuries.

It is difficult to attribute the invention of zero to a single person because it emerged as a result of the collective efforts and advancements in various civilizations.

How Zero Got Named?

When zero was introduced in India, it was called ‘Sunya’ which is a Sanskrit term for zero. Later when it reached the middle east, it was named ‘Sifr’, after the Arabs, when zero was introduced by Italians, they named it ‘Zefero’ which was later transformed to ‘Zer’o’ in French, the modern zero is also inspired by the same term. Today Zero is universally used.

Journey of Origin of Zero

The discovery and origin of the concept of zero mark a crucial milestone in the history of mathematics and human thought. The journey of zero’s discovery and its evolution into a fundamental mathematical concept spans millennia and traverses different cultures and civilizations.

Early Concepts of Empty Space

The concept of zero, or the idea of nothingness, has intrigued thinkers since ancient times. Early civilizations such as the Babylonians and the Maya developed placeholder symbols to denote empty spaces in numerical systems, but these symbols did not necessarily represent the abstract notion of zero as a number in its own right.

Ancient Indian Contributions

One of the most significant developments in zero’s history occurred in ancient India. The earliest recorded use of a symbol for zero as a numerical digit dates back to the 9th century CE in the Indian subcontinent.

The Indian mathematician and astronomer Brahmagupta, in his seminal work “Brahmasphutasiddhanta,” discussed the properties of zero and its role as a placeholder and as a number in mathematical operations.

Transmission to the Islamic World

The concept of zero spread from India to the Islamic world, where scholars further developed its mathematical significance. Mathematicians such as Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Kindi played pivotal roles in transmitting Indian mathematical knowledge, including the concept of zero, to the Arabic-speaking world.

Incorporation into Western Mathematics

The introduction of zero into Western mathematics occurred through the translation of Arabic texts into Latin during the Middle Ages. Fibonacci, an Italian mathematician, encountered the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, which included zero, during his travels to North Africa and the Middle East. His influential book “Liber Abaci” helped popularize the use of Hindu-Arabic numerals, including zero, in Europe.

Zero as a Conceptual Breakthrough

The recognition of zero as a numerical digit and as a placeholder revolutionized mathematics and laid the groundwork for advanced mathematical concepts such as place value, decimal notation, and the development of algebra and calculus. Zero’s inclusion in numerical systems provided a powerful tool for computation, measurement, and abstraction, enabling advancements in fields ranging from astronomy and physics to economics and engineering.

Conclusion of Zero

Zero is a basic idea in mathematics that has important applications in many other fields. It is an essential part of the decimal numbering system and acts as a placeholder, signifying the lack of a quantity or value. In arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, zero is essential because it frequently acts as a neutral element or identity. Additionally, it makes it possible to represent negative integers and fractions, which broadens the range of possible mathematical expressions and computations. Beyond mathematics, zero has deep philosophical and cultural meaning as a symbol of nothingness, emptiness, and the void.

FAQs on Who Invented Zero?

What is the Origin of Zero in India?

Aryabhata, a great astronomer of the classic age of India was the one who invented the digit “0” (zero) for which he became immortal but later on is given to Brahmagupta who lived around a century later 22, another ancient Indian mathematician.

The first numeral zero comes from a Hindu astronomer and mathematician Brahmagupta in 628. The symbol to represent  the numeral was a dot underneath a number.

How Zero got named?

Zero was called ‘Sunya’ in India, it was called ‘Sifr’ in the middle east, when it reached Italy, it was named ‘Zefero’ and later in English, it was called ‘Zero’.

Who invented zero, Aryabhatta or Brahmagupta?

Aryabhatta is credited for using zero in the decimal system and introducing zero in mathematics. Brahmagupta, an astronomer and mathematician from India used zero in mathematical operations like addition and subtraction. Aryabhatta introduced zero in 5th century and Brahmagupta introduced zero in calculations in around 628 AD. Therefore, it can be said that Aryabhatta invented zero.

When did Zero came to Europe?

Zero came to Europe during the Middle Ages, notably through the translation of Arabic mathematical texts into Latin, with Fibonacci’s “Liber Abaci” contributing significantly to its adoption and popularization in Western mathematics.