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subtraction
/ˌsʌbˈtrækʃən/
the process of taking away a number from another
She performed the subtraction of 5 from 10.
She calculated 10 minus 5 to get 5.
formal
the mathematical operation of removing a number from another to find the difference
The subtraction of 7 from 12 gives 5.
12 minus 7 equals 5.
Children learn basic subtraction in early grades.
Young students practice subtracting numbers.
Subtraction is one of the four basic arithmetic operations, alongside addition, multiplication, and division.
Collocations
subtraction problema math problem involving subtractionsubtraction signthe minus symbol (-) used in subtractionsubtraction tablea chart showing subtraction results
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Understanding Subtraction
Subtraction is the inverse of addition. For example, if 5 + 3 = 8, then 8 - 5 = 3.
Gold Rule
Basic Rule
Subtraction is performed by removing the smaller number from the larger one.
Word Origin
From Latin 'subtractio', from 'subtrahere' meaning 'to draw away'
Usage Notes
In everyday language, 'subtraction' is often used in educational and mathematical contexts. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a reduction or loss.
Word Breakdown
sub-
under, below
prefix-tract
to draw, pull
root-ion
action or process
suffixEnglish Dictionary