Subtraction
Subtraction is one of the four basic arithmetic operations, and it means taking away one quantity from another to find the difference. This guide goes over key vocabulary and expressions used when describing subtraction.
Vocabulary
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🖥️ I open my laptop to start work. | I open my laptop to start work. |
| ☕ I pour myself a cup of coffee. | I pour myself a cup of coffee. |
| 📧 I check my inbox for new messages. | I check my inbox for new messages. |
| 🗂️ I organize my files into folders. | I organize my files into folders. |
| 📝 I write notes during the meeting. | I write notes during the meeting. |
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Key Expressions
Subtraction is often expressed with phrases like take away, subtract, deduct, or remove, and you can name the quantities involved as the minuend (the number you start with) and the subtrahend (the number you take away).
Minuend
The minuend is the number from which another number is subtracted; it is the starting quantity in a subtraction operation.
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Subtrahend
The subtrahend is the number that is subtracted from the minuend; it represents the quantity taken away.
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Difference
The difference is the result of a subtraction; it tells you how much remains or how much more one quantity is compared to another.
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Word Problems
In word problems, subtraction is often signaled by phrases like how many are left, take away, remove, deduct, or decrease by, so look for these clues to set up the calculation.
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🧑💻 I started the day with 20 tasks on my to-do list. | I started the day with 20 tasks on my to-do list. |
| ✅ I completed 7 tasks before lunch. | I completed 7 tasks before lunch. |
| ❓ How many tasks do I have left? | How many tasks do I have left? |
| 🗒️ There were 15 emails in my inbox. | There were 15 emails in my inbox. |
| 📨 I replied to 9 emails. | I replied to 9 emails. |
| ❓ How many emails still need a response? | How many emails still need a response? |
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Summary
Subtraction means taking one amount away from another to find the difference; the number you start with is the minuend, the amount you take away is the subtrahend, and the result is the difference.
Last updated: Sat Sep 27, 2025