subtraction

[ suhb-trak-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of subtracting.
2. Mathematics. the operation or process of finding the difference between two numbers or quantities, denoted by a minus sign (−).

subtraction

/ səbˈtrækʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of subtracting
2. a mathematical operation in which the difference between two numbers or quantities is calculated. Usually indicated by the symbol (–)

subtraction

/ səb-trăk′shən /

1. The operation of finding the difference between two numbers or quantities.

Other Words From

• nonsub·traction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtraction¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin subtractiōn- (stem of subtractiō ) a withdrawing, equivalent to subtract ( us ) ( subtract ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Students two years behind, in second grade, are still mastering addition and subtraction problems and demonstrating they understand key details of texts, like characters and settings.

From ProPublica

In a variation on the grid test, where subtraction yielded the best solution, participants got three practice runs.

From Science News For Students

Malone sees a path forward for the Nuggets as they adjust to a crucial addition and subtraction.

From FiveThirtyEight

The researchers hypothesized that most participants defaulted to adding because they failed to even think about subtraction.

From Science News

Across all experiments, the vast majority of participants chose addition over subtraction.

From Science News

The theory of addition through subtraction doesn't work in mathematics or politics.

From The Daily Beast

In its report, the Commerce Department breaks down sectors by their contribution to—and subtraction from—the GDP figure.

From The Daily Beast

The answer in subtraction is called the remainder, or difference.

From Project Gutenberg

Four things to know about subtraction:  This is e Chapter of subtraccio, in the quych ou most know foure nessessary thynges.

From Project Gutenberg

The subtraction of a powerful stimulus will suffice to account for this event.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, with the addition of Broglie and Maison, and the subtraction of Rigny, practically every one remains at his post.

From Project Gutenberg

This time we do not subtract A³ and CqA, because this subtraction is already affected by the preceding work.

From Project Gutenberg