zero

This is the name given to the whole number between –1 and 1.

We sometimes refer to it as ‘nought’. It shows that there is no value.

For example, 7 – 7 = 0. The difference between seven and seven is zero.

Zero is also a basis for the decimal order of writing numbers. It’s used to keep the place value so that numerals can be written correctly.

For example, 305 (three hundred and five) could be mistaken for 35 (thirty five) if the zero wasn’t in the Tens position.