Subtraction is a basic mathematical operation that involves taking away one number from another. It is the opposite of addition.
Understanding Subtraction
- Taking Away: Subtraction is about removing a certain quantity from a larger quantity.
- Difference: The result of subtraction is called the difference.
- Symbol: The minus sign (-) represents subtraction.
Example of Subtraction
Imagine you have 5 apples and you give 2 apples to your friend. To find out how many apples you have left, you would subtract:
5 apples - 2 apples = 3 apples
Here, 5 is the minuend (the number from which we are subtracting), 2 is the subtrahend (the number being subtracted), and 3 is the difference.
Practical Applications of Subtraction
Subtraction is used in many everyday situations, including:
- Counting: Finding the difference between two numbers.
- Shopping: Calculating the change after making a purchase.
- Time: Determining the duration of an event.
- Measurement: Finding the difference between two lengths or weights.
Key Points to Remember
- Order Matters: In subtraction, the order of the numbers is important. 5 - 2 is different from 2 - 5.
- Zero: Subtracting zero from a number doesn't change its value.
