Subtracting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
➖
subtracting
[səb'træktɪŋ ]
Definition
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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'subtracting'
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.