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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.

Related Terms

  • Difference — The result you get after subtracting
  • Arithmetic — The branch of math covering basic operations
  • Product — Named result of multiplication, like difference for subtraction
  • Quotient — Named result of division, another operation term
  • Constant — A fixed value, which a subtrahend can be