Definition of Subtraction

Subtraction is a mathematical operation in which one number, called the subtrahend, is taken away from another number, called the minuend. The result of this operation is called the difference. Subtraction is often denoted by the minus sign \(−\), for example:

For instance, in the expression \( 7 - 3 = 4 \), 7 is the minuend, 3 is the subtrahend, and 4 is the difference.

The expression \( a - b = a + (-b) \) is a mathematical identity that demonstrates how subtraction can be redefined as adding the opposite (or additive inverse) of the second number.

Where:

• \( a \) is the minuend (the number you’re starting with).
• \( b \) is the subtrahend (the number you’re subtracting).
• \( -b \) is the additive inverse of \( b \), meaning it is the number that, when added to \( b \), gives zero.

Subtracting \( b \) from \( a \) is equivalent to adding the opposite (negative) of \( b \) to \( a \). This property is used frequently in algebra and helps simplify expressions and equations.

Latex

a - b = a + (-b)