In Math, the number Zero has no value, but on GMAT and similar exams, it is one of the most important numbers to take into consideration!

Forget zero, and you could get zero on that question.

Let us take a look at 3 ways in which the unique properties that Zero possesses makes it worthy of special consideration.

1) Uniqueness of Zero as a multiplier

If we are told that:

p × m = q × m

we might be tempted to conclude that

p = q

But think again

What if m = 0?

then we can have something like:

5 × 0 = 6 × 0

Yet 5 ≠ 6

So before cancelling, we have to make sure that m cannot equal 0

If m ≠ 0, we can safely cancel the variable 'm' on both sides and proceed.

2) Uniqueness of Zero as a base

If we are told that:

pᵐ = pⁿ

we might be tempted to conclude that

m = n

But think again.

What if p = 0?

Then we can have:

0² = 0³

But 2 ≠ 3

So before cancelling, we have to make sure that p cannot equal 0

3) Uniqueness of Zero as a power

If we are told that:

pⁿ = qⁿ

we might be tempted to conclude that

p = q

But think again.

What if n = 0 ?

Then we can have:

7⁰ = 12⁰

But 7 ≠ 12

So before cancelling, we have to make sure that n cannot equal 0