subtract

Subtract is a basic mathematical operation that involves finding the difference between two numbers or quantities. It is one of the four fundamental arithmetic operations, alongside addition, multiplication, and division. Subtraction is symbolized by the minus sign (−).

The process of subtracting two numbers involves taking away a quantity from another. For example, in the expression 7 − 3, the number 3 is subtracted from 7, resulting in a difference of 4. This operation can be applied to whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and algebraic expressions.

In practical applications, subtraction is used to determine change, compare quantities, or find the remainder after removing a part from a whole. It is foundational in fields such as finance, engineering, and science. For instance, subtraction calculates remaining resources, computes differences in measurements, or determines net values.

From a mathematical perspective, subtraction is regarded as the inverse of addition. This means that subtracting a number and then adding it back restores the original value. In algebra, subtraction is represented as the addition of a negative number; for example, 5 − x can be written as 5 + (−x).

The subtraction process adheres to certain rules, including the properties of equality and order. When subtracting a larger number from a smaller one with real numbers, the result may be negative, reflecting values less than zero.

Overall, subtraction is a fundamental operation essential to understanding and manipulating numerical data. Its simplicity and versatility make it a key concept for learners and practitioners across various disciplines.