what if zero was the first number ? Which country created the number "0" first, created mathematics, created binary code, created computers, created iPhones ... That's a mean patent for the number "0". Sometimes the smallest number is the biggest because a billion with an extra 0 turns into a trillion ... Imagine ...

 The number zero has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years and is closely tied to the development of mathematics and human civilizations. The concept of zero emerged independently in different cultures and civilizations.

1. Mesopotamia: One of the earliest known uses of a placeholder for zero was in ancient Mesopotamia around 3000 BC. Sumerians used cuneiform symbols to represent numbers, and they had a symbol for a placeholder, which acted as a zero.

2. Ancient India: The concept of zero as a numeral and a mathematical concept is most famously attributed to ancient Indian mathematicians. Around the 5th century AD, the Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata introduced a symbol for zero as a dot, which was known as "shunya." This innovation was crucial in the development of the decimal place-value system in India, where the position of a digit in a number determined its value.

3. Mayans: The Mayans in Mesoamerica also independently developed a numeral system that included the concept of zero. They used shell symbols to represent zero in their mathematical calculations and calendar systems around the 4th century AD.

4. Classical Greece: The ancient Greeks were aware of the concept of nothingness, but they did not have a specific symbol or notation for zero as a number.

5. Islamic scholars: The Indian numeral system, including the concept of zero, was transmitted to the Islamic world and was further developed by scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Kindi. They played a significant role in spreading these mathematical ideas to Europe during the Middle Ages.

6. Introduction to Europe: The concept of zero eventually reached Europe through interactions with the Islamic world and the translation of Arabic mathematical texts into Latin. The Italian mathematician Fibonacci played a crucial role in popularizing the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, including zero, in Europe during the 13th century.

Over time, the numeral zero became an integral part of arithmetic and mathematics, leading to the development of more sophisticated mathematical concepts and systems. It is now a fundamental component of our modern numeral system, without which many mathematical and technological advancements would not have been possible.

Shakuntala Devi was an Indian mathematician, mental calculator, and writer who was widely known for her exceptional mathematical abilities. She was born on November 4, 1929, in Bangalore, India, and she passed away on April 21, 2013.

Shakuntala Devi gained international fame for her remarkable skills in mental calculation and her ability to perform complex mathematical calculations mentally, often faster than traditional computers of her time. Her incredible ability earned her the nickname "Human Computer."

Some of her most notable achievements include:

1. Guinness World Records: In 1980, Shakuntala Devi achieved a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for correctly multiplying two 13-digit numbers in just 28 seconds. This impressive feat showcased her incredible mental calculation abilities.

2. Books and Lectures: Apart from her mathematical prowess, Shakuntala Devi authored several books on mathematics, puzzles, and astrology. She wrote books to make mathematics more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.

3. World Tours and Lectures: She traveled extensively around the world, showcasing her mathematical talents and giving lectures on mathematics and mental calculation.

Shakuntala Devi's contributions to mathematics and her ability to make complex calculations mentally without any formal training have inspired and captivated people globally. Her life story has been the subject of books, documentaries, and a biographical film released in 2020, titled "Shakuntala Devi," in which she was portrayed by Indian actress Vidya Balan.

Aryabhata was an ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived around the 5th century AD. He is considered one of the most prominent mathematicians and astronomers of ancient India and is known for several significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy. Here are some of his key achievements:

1. Aryabhata's Work on Mathematics: Aryabhata is famous for his work in mathematics, particularly his treatise called "Aryabhatiya." This work was written in Sanskrit and is considered one of the earliest and most influential mathematical texts in India. In the Aryabhatiya, he covered various mathematical topics, including arithmetic, algebra, plane trigonometry, and trigonometric tables.

2. Place Value System and Zero: Aryabhata played a crucial role in the development of the Indian decimal place-value system. He introduced the concept of using a symbol for zero ("shunya" in Sanskrit), which was an essential innovation in the history of mathematics. This concept later spread to other civilizations and became a fundamental aspect of modern mathematics.

3. Approximation of Pi (π): Aryabhata made an early approximation of the value of pi (π). He correctly calculated the value of pi to four decimal places (3.1416) and provided a method for finding the approximate circumference of a circle.

4. Earth's Rotation and Astronomy: In the field of astronomy, Aryabhata proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system, where the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. He also correctly explained the causes of eclipses of the Sun and the Moon and provided methods for calculating their occurrences.

5. Timekeeping and Calendrical Systems: Aryabhata worked on timekeeping and developed a sophisticated calendrical system. He proposed a new calendar, known as the "Aryabhata Calendar," based on the movement of the Sun.

Aryabhata's contributions to mathematics and astronomy had a profound impact on the development of these fields in ancient India and laid the foundation for future advancements in science and mathematics in the region. His works were studied and built upon by subsequent scholars and mathematicians, further enriching the knowledge and understanding of mathematics and astronomy in India and beyond.