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Math · Pre-K Math

Chapter 2: Counting to Ten

Zero Means None

A number for nothing at all.

Lesson
4
Time
About 6 minutes
0 of 5 done

Step 1: Let's Learn

Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.

If there is nothing there, the number is zero.

Zero is a real number

An empty plate has zero cakes. That is a proper answer, not a way of saying you do not know.

Nothing there and no plate

Zero means the plate is there and the cakes are gone. It is a count, so there has to be something you counted.

Zero comes before one

Start with zero. Add one and you have one. Zero is where counting begins, before you pick anything up.

Saying zero out loud

It feels odd to answer a question with zero. It is still the right answer when there is nothing there.

Step 2: Try It Yourself

Tap and try it out.

Take them all away. What number is left?
  • None yet. Add some!

How many in all0

Step 3: Watch an Example

One step at a time.

Watch Bo Eat Them All

Bo has two biscuits and eats both.

  1. Step 1

    He eats one biscuit. One is left.

Step 4: Your Turn

Practice makes it stick.

The Empty Box

Problem 1 of 1

The box has nothing in it. How many?

None Left

1 of 3

An empty plate. How many cakes?

2 of 3

One bird flies away from one bird. How many left?

3 of 3

How many elephants in your pocket?

Step 5: Quick Check

Show what you know.

Question 1 of 1

Nothing on the table. How many?

What You Learned

  • Zero means none.
  • Zero is a real number and a real answer.