The Parts of a Subtraction Sentence

A close-up of a child working on subtraction math problems.
••• Gregory Johnston/Hemera/Getty Images

Subtraction is a mathematical technique by which an amount is taken away, or subtracted, from another amount. For example, in the subtraction sentence 15 - 8 = 7, 8 is taken away from 15, leaving 7. A subtraction sentence has four main parts: the minuend, the subtrahend, an equals sign, and the difference. Understanding each of these parts will help students grasp basic subtraction principles, and form strategies for how to approach subtraction problems.

The Minuend

The minuend is the part of a subtraction sentence that indicates the starting amount. This is the amount from which some other amount will be taken away. In the example 15 - 8 = 7, 15 is the minuend.

The Subtrahend

The subtrahend is the amount being taken away from the original amount. In the example 15 - 8 = 7, 8 is the subtrahend. A subtraction sentence can have more than one subtrahend, depending on how complex it is.

The Equals Sign

The equals sign (=) is an important part of the subtraction sentences because it indicates that the two halves of the equation have the same value. The equals sign is the third part of any subtraction sentence.

The Difference

The difference represents the result of the subtraction sentence. In 15 - 8 = 7, 7 is the difference between 15 and 8 because it is the result when you subtract 8 from 15.

Related Articles

How to Find Sum or Difference of Math Problems
What Are Subtraction Sentences?
How to Calculate Percent Decline
How to Convert Nanograms to Milligrams
How to Calculate the Percentage of Another Number
How to Work Out a Percentage Using a Calculator
How to Borrow When Adding & Subtracting Fractions
How to Write a Whole Number in Expanded Form
How to Convert the Area of a Circle to Square Feet
How to Write the Remainder As a Fraction
How to Simplify Algebraic Expressions
How to Write the Remainder As a Whole Number
What Is an Integer in Algebra Math?
How Can I Remember Math Properties?
How to Convert Grams to Ounces
How to Calculate the Height of a Cone From the Volume
How to Teach your Kids to Solve Word Problems in Math
Math Rules for Subtraction
The Four Types of Multiplication Properties
How to Convert a Fraction to a Ratio

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!