Subtraction Vocabulary
Knowing the precise vocabulary of subtraction helps you read any maths problem with confidence.
Core Subtraction Terms
| Term | Definition | In 14 − 5 = 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Minuend | The number being subtracted from | 14 |
| Subtrahend | The number being subtracted | 5 |
| Difference | The result | 9 |
| Minus | Name of the − symbol; means subtract | − |
Word-Problem Phrases That Signal Subtraction
- take away, subtract, minus, less than, fewer than
- decreased by, reduced by, left over, remain, difference between, how many more
A shop has 48 items; 17 are sold. How many remain? → 48 − 17 = 31
How many more points does A (85) have than B (67)? → 85 − 67 = 18
Key Takeaways
- Minuend is the starting number; subtrahend is what you remove; difference is the result.
- Many word-problem phrases signal subtraction without using the word itself.
Practice Questions
- In 23 − 8 = 15, name the minuend, subtrahend and difference.
- List four phrases that signal subtraction in a word problem.
- Rewrite 'the difference between 50 and 34' as a subtraction.
- Write a word problem using 'fewer than' that represents 20 − 7.
- '12 less than 45' — write and solve.