In mathematics, specific terms are used to identify the different numbers involved in subtraction operations. The subtrahend is defined as the number being subtracted from another number. In a standard subtraction equation like 5 - 2 = 3, the number 2 is the subtrahend. Meanwhile, the number from which another is being subtracted (5 in this example) is called the minuend, and the result (3) is called the difference. We can express this relationship as: minuend - subtrahend = difference.
Subtraction follows specific mathematical properties that distinguish it from other operations. Unlike addition, subtraction is not commutative, meaning that changing the order of the numbers will change the result (a - b ≠ b - a). It is also not associative, which means that the grouping of operations matters when subtracting more than two numbers (a - (b - c) ≠ (a - b) - c). These properties make it particularly important to properly identify which number is serving as the subtrahend in any subtraction problem.
Examples of Subtrahend in Mathematical Problems Example 1: Word Problem with Subtraction Problem:Ms. X collected 50 apples falling from a tree in her neighborhood. At the same time, she also bought some apples from a store on her way back home. Calculate and find out how many apples she bought from the store if she has a total of 62 apples with her now.
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Identify what we know and what we're looking for:
Ms. X collected 50 apples from the tree. Ms. X now has a total of 62 apples. We need to find how many apples she bought from the store.Step 2, Determine the mathematical operation needed:
Since we know the final amount (62) and one source of apples (50), we need to find the difference. This calls for subtraction: Total apples - Apples from tree = Apples from storeStep 3, Perform the subtraction:
62 - 50 = 12 Therefore, Ms. X bought 12 apples from the store. Example 2: Identifying the Subtrahend Problem:In the equation below, identify which number is the subtrahend.
50 - 8 = 42 Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Recall the definition of a subtrahend:
The subtrahend is the number being subtracted from another number.Step 2, Examine the structure of a subtraction equation:
In the format "minuend - subtrahend = difference" Looking at 50 - 8 = 42, we have 50 as the minuend and 8 following the subtraction sign.Step 3, Therefore, 8 is the subtrahend in this equation.
Example 3: Solving a Word Problem with Subtraction Problem:A farmer harvested 120 oranges from his orchard. After selling some oranges at the market, he had 85 oranges remaining in his basket. How many oranges did he sell at the market?
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Identify what we know and what we're looking for:
Total oranges harvested: 120 Oranges remaining after sale: 85 Goal: Find how many oranges were soldStep 2, Determine the mathematical operation:
To find the number sold, subtract remaining oranges from total: Operation: Total oranges - Remaining oranges = Oranges soldStep 3, Set up the equation:
120 - Oranges sold = 85Step 4, Solve the equation:
Oranges sold = 120 - 85 = 35Step 5, Conclusion:
The farmer sold 35 oranges at the market. Comments(7)LLawyerGraceNovember 4, 2025I've used this subtrahend def to teach my students. It's clear & the examples helped them grasp the concept quickly. Thanks!MCMs. CarterSeptember 17, 2025I’ve been helping my kids with math homework, and this explanation of the subtrahend was super clear! The examples really helped them understand subtraction better. Thanks for making tricky concepts simple!NNatureLover2025September 10, 2025I’ve been helping my son with math homework, and the way this page explained subtrahend was super clear! The examples made it easy for him to grasp subtraction better. Thanks for this resource!NNatureLover42August 27, 2025This explanation of subtrahend was so clear! I used the examples to help my son with his homework, and he finally got it. Love the step-by-step breakdown—it’s a lifesaver for parents!NNatureLover85August 20, 2025I’ve been helping my kid with math homework, and this page made subtraction so much easier to explain! The clear examples of subtrahends really clicked for them. Great resource!svg]:px-3 dk:w-auto h-10 dk:h-14 rounded-lg dk:rounded-[15px] px-5 dk:px-7.5 text-sm dk:text-xl text-[#3467FF] bg-white hover:bg-white">Load MoreExplore More TermsMaximumSquare RootThousandsCount OnDivision Property of EqualityY CoordinateView All Math TermsRecommended Interactive LessonsMultiply by 33Math3.OA.C.7Round Numbers to the Nearest Hundred with the Rules3Math3.NBT.A.1Mutiply by 23Math3.OA.C.7Multiply by 93Math3.OA.C.7Understand Equivalent Fractions with the Number Line3Math3.NF.A.3.a, 3.NF.A.3.bDivide by 53Math3.OA.C.7View All Interactive LessonsRecommended VideosHexagons and CirclesKMathK.G.A.2, K.G.B.4Add Tens1Math1.NBT.C.4Sort and Describe 2D Shapes1Math1.G.A.1Patterns in multiplication table3Math3.OA.D.9Word problems: addition and subtraction of decimals5Math5.NBT.B.7Understand And Evaluate Algebraic Expressions6Math6.EE.A.2b, 6.EE.A.2cView All VideosRecommended WorksheetsDescribe Positions Using Above and BelowKMathK.G.A.1Word problems: add and subtract within 1001Math1.NBT.C.4, 1.NBT.C.6Use the standard algorithm to add within 1,0002Math2.NBT.B.7Word problems: four operations3Math3.OA.D.8Understand and find perimeter3Math3.MD.D.8Word problems: adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers4Math4.NF.B.3dView All WorksheetsRecommended Coloring PagesBread loaf with a smiley facePre-K – KAll SubjectsDinghy tied to a wooden dock with some reeds in the background1 – 2All SubjectsWeather satellite orbiting Earth with a few stars in the background1 – 2All SubjectsEaster egg with chevron pattern and a small bunny peeking from behind1 – 2All SubjectsUpper and lower case letter I with an igloo in the background and an insect flying around, with detailed snowflakes3 – 4All SubjectsHeart-shaped puzzle with intricate details, including small hearts, arrows, and flowers, surrounded by a festive Valentine's Day scene with balloons and gifts5 – 6All SubjectsView All Coloring PagesRecommended BlogsWhat's a Perfect SAT Score? A Guide for K-6 FamiliesNovember 4, 2025Understanding All Five ACT Sections for K-12 Success: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and KidsOctober 17, 2025ACT Prep Plan: Creating a Personalized Strategy for High School SuccessOctober 10, 2025ACT vs SAT: Key Differences Parents and Students Should KnowOctober 9, 2025Mastering the ACT: Smart Time Management Tips for Test SuccessOctober 9, 2025Army ASVAB Composite Scores: A Parent's Guide to Military Career PathsOctober 7, 2025View All Blog PostsQUICK LINKSAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceTOOLSHomework HelperGuide DesignerPodcast MakerPlan BuilderRESOURCESMath GlossaryEnglish GlossaryEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsScienceBook InsightsFun with WordsBlog© 2025 EDU.COM. All rights reserved.智能索引记录
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