Is zero a number or the absence of a number?

Question

I have looked at several different articles/explanations but they either have contradictory statements or they use esoteric language that I cant wrap my head around. pls help

In: Mathematics

Answer 1

zero is a number representing a value of nothing. It in itself is not the absence of a number. If numbers are a roll of toilet paper zero is a roll with no paper on it. The roll is still there, you can clearly see that it is a roll hanging from the wall, but there is no paper on the roll. That is zero: A number who is there to indicate no value.