Zero to Infinity: The Discovery of Zero for Class 5 

This engaging Grade 5 reading comprehension worksheet explores how ancient Indian mathematicians Aryabhata and Brahmagupta revolutionized mathematics through the discovery of zero. Students will read a factual passage explaining how zero evolved from a simple dot to a powerful concept that transformed arithmetic, trade, and science. 

Why the Discovery of Zero Matters in History? 

Zero is one of humanity’s greatest mathematical ideas. For Grade 5 learners, this topic is important because: 
1. It shows how India contributed a world-changing idea to global learning. 
2. It helps children understand the role of symbols in simplifying math. 
3. It connects ancient discoveries to modern science and technology. 
4. It builds appreciation for innovation and logical thinking. 

What’s Inside This Worksheet? 

This worksheet features fact-based and critical thinking activities that help students understand the historical and mathematical value of zero: 

🧠 Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Students choose the correct options to test their understanding of who discovered zero, its importance, and its impact on mathematics. 

✏️ Exercise 2 – Short Answer Questions
Students write short responses about how zero spread, its usefulness, and why it was important to traders and scientists. 

📝 Exercise 3 – Think and Answer
Learners answer higher-order questions that connect India’s contribution to global mathematics and explain why zero is called a revolutionary idea. 

✅ Answer Key (For Parents & Educators) 

Exercise 1 – Choose the Correct Option 
1. b) Aryabhata 
2. b) Its rules of use in math 
3. d) It changed mathematics forever 

Exercise 2 – Short Answers 
1. Arab scholars spread it further to Europe. 
2. It helped them in counting, trade, and research. 
3. It made arithmetic simpler and more accurate. 

Exercise 3 – Subjective Answers 
1. It shows India’s vital role in global mathematics. 
2. It’s revolutionary because it changed how we think of numbers. 
3. It improved daily life by making calculations easy. 
4. Synonym: *invention* – The invention of zero changed math. 

Help your child explore the magic of numbers with this engaging historical reading passage. 
🔖Book a free trial!