Math K-Plus

Definitions: Subtract, Minus, Minuend, Subtrahend, And Difference

Learn The Definitions Of Subtraction Along Side A Simple Example

A simple example will be used to explain these definitions. Let's answer the question with an example. Sally has two apples and gives one apple to her teacher Ms. James. How many apples does Sally have left?
Sally has 2 apples: Apple Apple
She gives 1 apple away: Apple
Sally has how many now: Apple

How do we show this in integer subtraction math?

Visually: − =
Numerically: 2 − 1 = 1

Subtraction Definitions
Word	Definition
Subtract	To take one number away from another. In the example above, number 1 is subtracted from number 2.
Minus	The minus sign (-) is the sign of subtraction.
Minuend	The first number in a subtraction; in this example, the number is two.
Subtrahend	The second number in a subtraction; in this example, the number is one.
Difference	The result when one number is subtracted from another. In the example above, the difference of the subtraction is 1.

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