Subtraction (intro / terms)

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is a mathematical operation where you take away one number (the subtrahend) from another (the minuend). The result of this operation is called the difference. It is often used to find out how much is left after something is taken away or to compare two quantities.

For example:

• In the subtraction ( 7 - 3 = 4 ), you are taking 3 away from 7, and the difference is 4.

Subtraction can be thought of as the opposite of addition. While addition combines numbers, subtraction removes or reduces the value of a number.

Subtraction Terms

1. Minuend: The number from which another number is subtracted.
   • Example: In the equation ( 7 - 3 ), 7 is the minuend.
2. Subtrahend: The number that is being subtracted.
   • Example: In the equation ( 7 - 3 ), 3 is the subtrahend.
3. Difference: The result of the subtraction.
   • Example: In the equation ( 7 - 3 = 4 ), 4 is the difference.
4. Minus: The symbol used to represent subtraction ((-)).
   • Example: In ( 7 - 3 ), the minus sign indicates subtraction.
5. Subtract: The operation of taking away one number from another.
   • Example: "Subtract 3 from 7" means ( 7 - 3 ).