All about Subtraction

In this section we will learn the basics of subtraction. (-) subtraction is a basic operation of arithmetic.

What is Subtraction

Subtraction is an operation which is used to find the difference between two numbers.

When we have a group of objects(an amount) and we take away few objects (subtract) from it, then the group becomes smaller.

Definition:

In mathematics subtraction is an operation or process used to find the difference between two numbers or quantities.

Subtraction means to reduce a value from another value to get required value.

Subtraction Symbol

The minus sign ‘-‘ is used to denote a subtraction operation.

Example: We have 4 cupcakes and 1 cupcake is eaten by friend. So now we have 3 cupcakes.

This can be written in the form of mathematical equation of subtraction or subtraction expression as

4 – 1 = 3

Read as “Four minus one equals three”.

When we subtract 3 from 8, we write as (8 – 3) we get 5 and read as eight minus three equals five.

Here, the subtraction operation on two numbers 8 and 3 and get the difference or result is 3.

Example: 7 – 6 = 1

Subtraction Formula

When we subtract one number from another number, we use some terms which are used in the subtraction expression.

Minuend: A number or quantity from which the other number is subtracted.

Subtrahend: A number or quantity to be subtracted from another.

Difference: Difference is the result of subtracting one number from another.

The subtraction formula is written as

Minuend – Subtrahend = Difference

Example: 9 – 4 = 5

Here, 9 is the minuend,

4 is the subtrahend and

5 is the difference.

Example: 5 – 3 = 2

Here, 5 is the minuend, 3 is the subtrahend and 2 is the difference.

Example: 9 – 2 = 7

Here, 9 is the minuend, 2 is the subtrahend and 7 is the difference.