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Subtrahend — Definition, Formula & Examples

The subtrahend is the number you subtract from another number. In the expression 8−3=58 - 3 = 5, the subtrahend is 33.

In a subtraction operation of the form a−b=ca - b = c, the subtrahend is the quantity bb — the value that is taken away from the minuend aa to produce the difference cc.

Key Formula

Minuend−Subtrahend=Difference\text{Minuend} - \text{Subtrahend} = \text{Difference}
Where:
  • Minuend\text{Minuend} = The starting number you subtract from
  • Subtrahend\text{Subtrahend} = The number being subtracted
  • Difference\text{Difference} = The result of the subtraction

Worked Example

Problem: Identify the subtrahend in 15−9=615 - 9 = 6.
Identify the parts: The minuend is 15 (the number we start with), the subtrahend is the number being taken away, and the difference is the result.
15−9=615 - 9 = 6
Find the subtrahend: The subtrahend is the number after the minus sign.
Subtrahend=9\text{Subtrahend} = 9
Answer: The subtrahend is 99.

Why It Matters

Knowing the names for each part of subtraction helps you follow instructions in word problems and standardized tests. When a question asks you to "increase the subtrahend," you will know exactly which number to change.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Confusing the subtrahend with the minuend.
Correction: The minuend comes first (before the minus sign) and is the number you start with. The subtrahend comes second (after the minus sign) and is the number being subtracted.