Subtracting: meaning, definitions and examples

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subtracting

 

[ səb'træktɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

mathematical operation

Subtracting is the mathematical operation of taking one number away from another. It is one of the four basic arithmetic operations, alongside addition, multiplication, and division. Subtracting can be used in various contexts, from simple calculations to complex equations.

Synonyms

deducting, removing, taking away

Examples of usage

  • Subtracting 5 from 10 gives you 5.
  • She enjoys subtracting large numbers for practice.
  • In math class, we learned about subtracting fractions.
  • Subtracting negative numbers can increase the value.

Translations

Translations of the word "subtracting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subtraindo

🇮🇳 घटाना

🇩🇪 Subtrahieren

🇮🇩 mengurangkan

🇺🇦 віднімання

🇵🇱 odejmowanie

🇯🇵 引き算 (ひきざん)

🇫🇷 soustraction

🇪🇸 sustracción

🇹🇷 çıkartma

🇰🇷 빼기

🇸🇦 طرح

🇨🇿 odčítání

🇸🇰 odčítanie

🇨🇳 减法 (jiǎnfǎ)

🇸🇮 odštevanje

🇮🇸 frádráttur

🇰🇿 азайту

🇬🇪 გამოკლება

🇦🇿 çıxarma

🇲🇽 sustracción

Word origin

The word 'subtract' derives from the Latin 'subtrahere', which means 'to draw from below' or 'to take away'. This Latin term is a combination of 'sub-', meaning 'under', and 'trahere', meaning 'to pull' or 'to draw'. The usage of the term in mathematics can be traced back to the early works of mathematicians in ancient Rome. As arithmetic evolved, the term 'subtracting' became more widely used, particularly during the Renaissance when mathematical notation began to take a more standardized form. It was during this period that subtraction as a fundamental operation became clearer in both mathematical teaching and application. Over time, the word 'subtract' and its variations found a place not only in mathematics but also in everyday language, signifying the act of reducing or taking away.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,038, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.