Who Discovered Zero First?

 Zero is a symbol and concept that revolutionized mathematics and humanity’s understanding of the universe. It has a rich history entwined with several cultures, ideologies, and civilizations. The transition to “nothing” required significantly improved human understanding and abstraction.

Zero

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 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.

Aryabhata’s contribution to 0

Aryabhata, a famed Indian mathematician and astronomer of the 5th century AD, significantly contributed to the evolution of mathematical concepts, including zero. Although it was Brahmagupta who first formalised the mathematical principles of zero, Aryabhata’s work laid much of the groundwork for this development.

Aryabhata’s principal work, Aryabhatiya, presented astronomical and mathematical theories in 118 verses, covering topics such as algebra, trigonometry, and arithmetic. Even though he did not explicitly use a zero in his work, his understanding of the place-value system inherently required the concept of zero.

It is worth noting that Aryabhata used the word ‘kha’ for positional purposes, hinting towards a placeholder concept similar to zero. He used ‘kha’ to signify absence or void in the place-value system, serving a role very similar to zero in positional notation.

Moreover, his calculations, particularly in astronomical mathematics, required an understanding of zero and the concept of void, even if they did not explicitly express it. His methods of calculating planetary positions and eclipses could not have been as accurate without the mathematical understanding of ‘shunya’ (the Sanskrit word for void or emptiness), which later developed into the concept of zero.

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.

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.

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 – Who invented 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.

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.

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.

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’.

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.