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

Related Phrases

subtract fromphrase
to remove a quantity from another
subtraction by partsphrase
a method of subtracting numbers in stages

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
suffix
English Dictionary
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