Lesson 85: Understanding zero

🧮 MATH (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Numbers and Counting

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Objective

I can explain what zero means, find it on a number line, and use 0 correctly in addition and subtraction.

Materials

Mini-lesson — Understanding zero

In this lesson, you think about the number zero. Zero looks like this: 0. Zero means there is nothing there.

Zero means none

  • If you have 3 apples and you eat all 3, you have 0 apples left.
  • If there are no pencils on the desk, we can say there are zero pencils.
  • Zero is another way to say none or nothing.

Zero on the number line

  • A number line is a line with numbers in order.
  • Zero comes at the start: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…
  • When you count on, you move right from zero.
  • When you count back, you can land on zero when nothing is left.

Zero in bigger numbers

  • Zero can sit in the middle or at the end of a number, like 10 or 100.
  • In 10, the 1 shows one group of ten, and the 0 shows there are no ones.
  • Zero helps us write place value numbers (like 10, 20, 30…).

Remember: zero is a real number. It means there is nothing there, and it sits at the start of the number line.

Picture strip: Zero objects and zero on a number line.

Zero blocks

Some blocks

Guided Practice — Zero on the number line and with objects

You will use real objects and a number line. You will see when you have some of something and when you have zero.

  1. Make small groups: Take a few small objects (like cubes, coins, or beads). Make groups of 3, 2, 1, and 0. Leave one space empty to show zero.
  2. Say the numbers: Point to each group and say: "3 objects", "2 objects", "1 object", "0 objects". Notice that the empty space means zero.
  3. Use a number line 0–10: Draw a number line on your paper from 0 to 10. Mark 0 clearly at the start. Then mark 1, 2, 3, and so on.
  4. Jump to zero: Start at 3 and count back to 0: say "3, 2, 1, 0" as you jump on the line. Try starting at 5 and counting back to 0.
  5. Write the key words: On your page, write a short list:
    • zero • none • 0 • 10
  6. Use the tracing pad: Choose two words or numbers from your list (for example, zero and 10) and trace them on the tracing pad.
  7. Add a tiny picture: Next to zero, you can draw an empty box. Next to 3 or 5 (if you write them), you can draw that many dots or small shapes.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: After you trace zero, write a short sentence such as "I have 0 apples." and draw an empty bowl to match.

Practice 1 — Drag & Drop: Build zero equations

For each row, drag the numbers and symbols into the boxes to make a true number sentence with zero.
Put them in this order: number – sign – number – = – answer.

1) Use 5, 0 and the symbols to show adding zero.

5 + 0 = 5

2) Use 0, 7 and the symbols to show adding zero.

0 + 7 = 7

3) Use 9, 0 and the symbols to show subtracting zero.

9 - 0 = 9

4) Use 4, 0 and the symbols to show taking all away.

4 - 4 = 0

5) Build a subtraction sentence that makes zero.

6 - 6 = 0

6) Use 0, 10 and the symbols to show adding zero to 10.

0 + 10 = 10

7) Make an addition sentence that shows "nothing added".

8 + 0 = 8

8) Use 11, 0 and the symbols to show subtracting zero.

11 - 0 = 11

9) Build another "all gone" subtraction sentence.

3 - 3 = 0

10) Make a simple sentence that shows zero equals zero.

0 = 0

Practice 2 — Number line: Zero on the line

On each number line, think about zero. Tap the correct answer.

1) Which number shows "no counters"?

Tap the number for "none".

2) Start at 3 and jump back 3. Where do you land?

Tap the landing number.

3) Which number is the smallest on this number line?

Tap the smallest number.

4) Show 5 - 5 on the number line.

Start at 5 and jump back 5. Tap the answer.

5) Where is zero on this number line?

Tap the tick mark for 0.

6) Which number is greater: 0 or 4?

Tap the greater number.

7) Which number comes just after 0?

Tap the number right after 0 on the line.

8) 2 - 2. Where do you land?

Tap the answer to 2 - 2 on the line.

9) Which number would you write for an empty box?

Tap the number that means "no blocks".

10) Which number is equal to zero?

Tap the number that is the same as 0.

Practice 3 — Sliders: Zero in equations

Read the clue. Move the slider until the current number matches the correct answer.

1) 4 - 4

Move the slider to the answer to 4 - 4.

Current: 0

2) 7 - 0

Move the slider to the answer to 7 - 0.

Current: 0

3) 0 + 9

Move the slider to the answer to 0 + 9.

Current: 0

4) 10 - 10

Move the slider to the answer to 10 - 10.

Current: 0

5) 6 + 0

Move the slider to the answer to 6 + 0.

Current: 0

6) 0 + 3

Move the slider to the answer to 0 + 3.

Current: 0

7) 9 - 9

Move the slider to the answer to 9 - 9.

Current: 0

8) 12 - 0

Move the slider to the answer to 12 - 0.

Current: 0

9) 0 + 1

Move the slider to the answer to 0 + 1.

Current: 0

10) 2 - 2

Move the slider to the answer to 2 - 2.

Current: 0

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) What does the number 0 mean?

2) If you have 0 apples, what do you have?

3) 6 + 0 = ?

4) 9 - 0 = ?

5) 4 - 4 = ?

6) 0 + 7 = ?

7) Where is 0 on a number line from 0 to 10?

8) Which is less?

9) 10 - 10 = ?

10) There are 2 cookies. You eat 2. How many cookies are left?

11) You have 3 pencils. You get 0 more. How many pencils do you have now?

12) Which number shows an empty set of counters?

13) Why is 0 an important number?

14) Which equation shows "nothing is left"?

15) Why do we learn about zero facts (like 5 + 0 and 6 - 6)?

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Today I will practise…

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