subtract

Everyday

1. To subtract is to take one number away from another to find what is left or the difference. tree →
2. To subtract something can also mean to take it away from a group or an amount. tree →

In the lessons

the operation − (minus): we subtract when things go away (give, lose, eat, break, left) and to find a difference (how many more, how much older); in everyday life we subtract to find change from money or time still to wait; phrases: «subtract 5 from 12», «take away»

Examples

• Student: I subtract: 6 (because of «give», «left»). tree →
• Subtract 5 from 12. tree →
• We subtract to find how many more Tom has than Ben. tree →
• If you subtract 3 from 10, you get 7. tree →
• Mum subtracted the cost of the milk from 20 dollars to find her change. tree →
• To check a subtraction, add the answer to the smaller number. tree →
• The coach subtracted one point for a foul. tree →
• Subtraction is the opposite of addition. tree →

Note

Names the operation itself. Subtract when things go away or to find a difference; trap: «subtract 5 from 12» is 12 − 5, not 5 − 12. The answer of a subtraction is called the difference. Adding undoes subtracting.