noun

subtraction

sub-TRAK-shun/səbˈtrækʃn/

The mathematical operation of taking one quantity away from another.

Removing two counters from five demonstrates subtraction and leaves three.

Clear educational arrangement '5 − 2 = 3' above five counters with two removed.

Etymology

subLatinfrom under

+tractLatinto pull, draw

+ionLatinaction or process

The pieces evoke drawing something away from underneath. The word first meant withdrawal or removal, an image applied in arithmetic to taking one quantity from another.

In context

Whiz Smart7:34

a smaller number minus a bigger number which is going to give us a negative result um and yeah so pretty pretty straightforward with addition and subtraction

Python for Beginners - Full course. Become a Python Expert

More examples

The subtraction of five from twelve leaves seven.
In subtraction, the order of the numbers matters.
He practices subtraction with numbers up to twenty.

Forms

subtraction · subtractions

subtract verb — To take one quantity away from another.

Similar words

deduction: Often names an amount taken off, rather than the operation.