Mathematics · Glossary

What is Subtraction?

Definition 3.1 Primary & Middle School Mathematics · Chapter 3 — Subtraction: First Steps

Subtracting means taking away and counting what is left. We write

72=57 - 2 = 5

and read: “seven minus two equals five”.

A subtraction in pictures: crossing out is taking away.
A subtraction in pictures: crossing out is taking away.

Examples

Example 3.2 (Counting back)

For a small take-away, count backward on the line: 11311 - 3: say “eleven”, then three steps back — “ten, nine, eight”. So 113=811 - 3 = 8.

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