Final answer:
The correct completion for the text is "100, however," showing the late development of the concept of zero. The concept originated in India, influenced by philosophical and religious thought, and then spread globally. The Maya civilization also demonstrated advanced understanding and practical uses of zero in their numbering system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to complete the text is: Ancient mathematicians probably used symbols to represent the "empty columns, or zeros, in a number such as 100, however the concept of zero as a number wasn't developed until the fifth century CE.
In India, the concept of zero was highly influenced by philosophical and religious contemplation. The use of zero and the decimal system were significant advancements in mathematics, first evident in the works of Indian mathematicians and later spread to other parts of the world such as the Arab region and Europe. Notable Indian mathematicians like Brahmagupta in the 7th century CE were pioneers in using multiplication, division, and negative numbers.
The Maya civilization also contributed to the understanding of zero, using it within their complex numerical system much earlier on. While many Mayan texts were destroyed, some inscriptions have survived, indicating their advanced mathematical knowledge. Mathematical concepts transcended cultural boundaries, as evident in the sharing of knowledge between Greek, Indian, Arab, and European civilizations.