Minus — Definition, Formula & Examples
Minus is the word and symbol (−) used to show subtraction, meaning you take one number away from another. For example, "9 minus 4" means start with 9 and take away 4.
The term "minus" denotes the binary operation of subtraction, represented by the symbol −, where the second operand (the subtrahend) is removed from the first operand (the minuend) to produce a result called the difference.
Key Formula
Where:
- = The minuend — the number you start with
- = The subtrahend — the number being taken away
- = The difference — the result of the subtraction
How It Works
When you see the minus sign between two numbers, subtract the second number from the first. In the expression , you start with and remove . The result is called the difference. The minus sign can also appear in front of a single number, like , to indicate a negative value.
Worked Example
Problem: What is 15 minus 8?
Write the expression: Use the minus sign to set up the subtraction.
Subtract: Start at 15 and take away 8.
Answer: The difference is 7.
Why It Matters
Subtraction is one of the four basic operations you use throughout all of math, from balancing a budget to solving algebra equations. Recognizing the minus sign and knowing how it works is essential before moving on to topics like negative numbers and equation solving.
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Thinking order doesn't matter: assuming is the same as .
Correction: Unlike addition, subtraction is not commutative. , but . Always subtract in the order given.