What if there is nothing at all? That number is zero, and we write it 0. An empty plate has 0 cookies.
Key idea
Zero means none at all. We write it 0.
Worked example: All gone
Ana had 2 cookies and ate them both. How many now?
- Both cookies are gone.
- None are left. That is 0.
Answer: 0 cookies
For the grown-up: Use zero in everyday talk: “There are zero socks in the basket now!” Count down to zero with a rocket blast-off: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0! Short and happy beats long. Five minutes is a good lesson.
- Try it at home: Count down to 0 before a race.
- Eat crackers one by one until there are 0.
- Ask: how many elephants are in the kitchen?