Minuend — Definition, Formula & Examples
The minuend is the first number in a subtraction problem — the number that something is being taken away from. In 9 − 4 = 5, the minuend is 9.
In a subtraction expression of the form , the minuend is the quantity from which the subtrahend is subtracted to produce the difference .
Key Formula
Where:
- = The starting number you subtract from
- = The number being subtracted
- = The result of the subtraction
Worked Example
Problem: Identify the minuend in the subtraction problem 15 − 7 = 8.
Write the subtraction: The problem is:
Identify each part: The first number (15) is the minuend, the second number (7) is the subtrahend, and the result (8) is the difference.
Answer: The minuend is 15.
Why It Matters
Knowing the names for each part of a subtraction problem helps you follow instructions in math class and on standardized tests. When a word problem says "find the minuend," you know exactly which number to solve for.
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Confusing the minuend with the subtrahend.
Correction: The minuend always comes first — it is the number you start with. The subtrahend is the number being taken away. A helpful memory trick: "minuend" comes first alphabetically in the expression, just as it comes first in the problem.