"Subtract" means to take one amount away from another amount. In English, we often say "subtract A from B" to show B minus A. This is the basic action for finding the difference between two numbers.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
subtract	To take one amount away from another amount.	Subtract 2 from 5.
minus	Shows that one number is being taken away from another.	Five minus two is three.

The "difference" is the result of subtraction. In a subtraction sentence, the difference is the answer you get after taking one number away from another.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
difference	The result you get when you subtract one number from another.	The difference between 5 and 2 is 3.

"Equals" shows that two sides have the same value. In subtraction, we use "equals" to connect the subtraction to its answer.

A subtraction sentence uses numbers and words to show subtraction clearly. It usually has a starting number, a minus part, and an equals part with the answer.

Rule	Example
A subtraction sentence shows starting number minus second number equals difference.	7 minus 4 equals 3.
You can also say first number minus second number is difference.	7 minus 4 is 3.

In English, "from" is used to show what you are taking away from, and "left" tells what remains. These words help explain which number is the starting amount and what stays after subtraction.

Rule	Example
Subtract A from B means B is the starting number.	Subtract 2 from 5.
After subtraction, you can say what is left.	If you subtract 2 from 5, 3 is left.

"Take away" is a common phrase for subtraction, especially with small numbers or objects. It focuses on removing items and seeing what remains.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
take away	To remove a number of items and find what remains.	If you take away 2 from 5, you have 3.

In subtraction, the order of numbers matters. The first number is the total you start with, and the second number is what you remove.

Rule	Example
The first number in subtraction is the starting amount.	10 minus 6 equals 4.
Switching the order changes the answer.	6 minus 10 equals negative 4.

When you subtract a larger number from a smaller number, the result is negative. In English, we read the answer with "negative" before the number.

Rule	Example
If the result is below zero, say "negative" before the number.	3 minus 5 equals negative 2.

Zero means no amount or nothing left. In subtraction, a result of zero shows that the two numbers are equal or that you have taken away all of the starting amount.

Subtraction word problems use everyday situations to show taking away or finding a difference. Key words include "how many left" and "how much more."

Rule	Example
"How many left" often means you need to subtract.	You have 8 apples and take away 3. How many are left?
"How much more" can mean finding the difference between two amounts.	One person has 7 dollars and another has 4. How much more does the first person have?