# Lesson 85: Understanding zero

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

← Back to Level 1

## Objective

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

## Materials

- Counters (beans, blocks, buttons)
- Number line or 100 chart (printable or on screen)
- Small cup or bowl for "empty" examples
- Pencil & paper

## 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
Lines
Trace
Pen

## 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?

One object No objects Ten objects

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

An empty basket One apple Five apples

#### 3) 6 + 0 = ?

0 5 6

#### 4) 9 - 0 = ?

0 9 10

#### 5) 4 - 4 = ?

0 2 8

#### 6) 0 + 7 = ?

0 1 7

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

In the middle At the very left At the very right

#### 8) Which is less?

0 5 2

#### 9) 10 - 10 = ?

1 5 0

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

2 0 1

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

3 0 5

#### 12) Which number shows an empty set of counters?

2 4 0

#### 13) Why is 0 an important number?

We never use it It shows when we have none of something It is always the biggest number

#### 14) Which equation shows "nothing is left"?

3 - 3 = 0 3 + 3 = 6 3 - 1 = 2

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

They always give big numbers We only use them in reading They help us see when a number stays the same or becomes nothing

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Explains that zero means no objects / empty set Finds and marks 0 correctly on a number line Solves facts like n + 0 and 0 + n Solves facts like n - 0 and n - n Uses zero in number stories and equations independently

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I understand what zero means and can use it 🙂 I know zero, but I want more practice with equations 😅 Zero in equations is still tricky for me

#### Today I will practise…

Finding zero on a number line Adding 0 to a number Subtracting to make 0 (like 4 - 4)
← Lesson 84 Lesson 86 →