Is zero positive or negative? Is zero even or odd?

[Amitha]

Is zero positive or negative? Is zero even or odd?

Hi,

ARCO-Math for smart test taker says that "zero is the only integer that is neither even nor odd and that is neither positive nor negative" but BARRON's says that zero is an even integer.

Which one is to be believed???

Thanks
Amitha

[myun]

zero is an even integer, although it is neither positive nor negative. Believe me, I taught physics.

[Amitha]

Hi Myun,
Thank you very much.My doubt has been cleared and since you have taught physics I cannot debate with you..

[Erin]

I agree with Myun--I've always learned that zero is even, but it's neither positive nor negative.

I think I'll change the title of this post so that it's easy for people to find the info they need.

Erin

[mkopalle]

zero is even no doubt.we learnt it that way coz it is even. the foremost pt in deciding an even no. is already discussed. i.e., 0/2 = 0 and odd no is one, that, when divided by 2 leaves a remainder of 1
further, if we consider the no line, .....-2,-1,0,1,2.....suppose zero is odd. then -1,0, 1 would all be a set of odds and an anomaly..
does my assumption hold water???

[Alex135]

Is zero positive or negative? Is zero even or odd?

Hi,

ARCO-Math for smart test taker says that "zero is the only integer that is neither even nor odd and that is neither positive nor negative" but BARRON's says that zero is an even integer.

Which one is to be believed???

Thanks
Amitha

The definition of a positive or negative number is with respect to the number zero. x is positive if x>0 and y is negative if y<0. Suppose 0 is positive, then 0>0, contradictions. Assume 0 is negative, then 0<0, contradiction. Therefore, 0 is neither positive nor negative.