Subtraction Calculator - Basic Arithmetic Subtraction Online

What is Subtraction?

Subtraction is one of the four fundamental arithmetic operations, representing the process of removing one quantity from another. It's the inverse operation of addition and is essential in mathematics, science, engineering, and daily life. Subtraction helps us find differences, calculate changes, and solve problems involving removal or comparison.

a - b = c

Definition of Subtraction

Subtraction is the mathematical operation of finding the difference between two numbers. The number being subtracted from is called the minuend, the number being subtracted is called the subtrahend, and the result is called the difference.

Key Terms

Minuend: The number from which another number is subtracted
Subtrahend: The number that is subtracted from the minuend
Difference: The result of the subtraction operation
Borrowing: The process of taking from a higher place value when the digit in the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend

Frequently Asked Questions

What is borrowing in subtraction?

Borrowing (also called regrouping) is a technique used in subtraction when a digit in the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend. You "borrow" 1 from the next higher place value, which increases the current digit by 10. For example, in 52 - 38, you can't subtract 8 from 2, so you borrow 1 from the tens place, making it 12 - 8 = 4.

Can subtraction result in negative numbers?

Yes, subtraction can result in negative numbers when the subtrahend is larger than the minuend. For example, 15 - 25 = -10. This is mathematically correct and represents that the second number is 10 units larger than the first number. Negative results are common in temperature differences, financial losses, and other real-world scenarios.

How do I subtract decimals?

To subtract decimals: 1) Align the decimal points vertically, 2) Add zeros to make both numbers have the same number of decimal places, 3) Subtract as you would with whole numbers, 4) Place the decimal point in the result directly below the decimal points in the problem. For example, 15.75 - 8.32 = 7.43.

What's the difference between subtraction and addition?

Subtraction and addition are inverse operations. Addition combines quantities (a + b = c), while subtraction finds the difference between quantities (a - b = c). Subtraction is non-commutative (a - b ≠ b - a) and non-associative ((a - b) - c ≠ a - (b - c)), unlike addition which is both commutative and associative.