subtraction

Everyday

1. Subtraction is taking one number away from another to find what is left or the difference. tree →
2. A subtraction is one sum where you take away: "do these ten subtractions". tree →

In the lessons

In school maths, subtraction is shown by the minus sign (−): 9 − 4 = 5. The answer is called the difference. Words that often mean subtraction in word problems: take away, minus, less, fewer, how many more, how many left, difference, change (money). Subtraction is the inverse (opposite) of addition. Phrases: subtraction sum, column subtraction, subtraction with exchanging (borrowing).

Examples

• Subtraction is the opposite of addition. tree →
• 15 − 6 = 9 is a subtraction. tree →
• I had 10 sweets and ate 3; subtraction tells me 7 are left. tree →
• We practised column subtraction today. tree →
• What is the difference between 20 and 12? Use subtraction: 8. tree →
• Check your subtraction by adding the answer back. tree →
• The change from 5 dollars after spending 3 dollars 40 is found by subtraction. tree →

Note

Verb: subtract (not "subtrack"). In subtraction, order matters: 9 − 4 is not the same as 4 − 9. The number you take away from comes first. "Borrowing" (USA) = "exchanging" or "regrouping" (UK).