Subtraction: meaning, definitions and examples
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subtraction
[səbˈtrækʃən ]
Definitions
mathematical operation
Subtraction is a mathematical operation that finds the difference between two numbers. It is the inverse of addition, where one number is taken away from another.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Can you solve this subtraction problem: 10 - 4 = ?
- She struggled with subtraction until her teacher explained it to her.
- We need to teach the students the basics of addition and subtraction.
- The subtraction of fractions can be tricky for some students.
- Subtraction is essential for many mathematical calculations.
decreasing something
Subtraction can also refer to the act of taking something away or decreasing the quantity or value of something.
Synonyms
deduction, diminution, reduction.
Examples of usage
- The subtraction of funds from the budget caused a financial crisis.
- She regretted the subtraction of her favorite item from the menu.
- The subtraction of resources led to a decline in productivity.
- Subtraction of staff members resulted in a smaller team.
- He advocated for the subtraction of harmful elements from the environment.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'subtractionem,' meaning 'a drawing away.'
- Its roots can be traced back to the word 'tract,' which means to pull or draw.
- In many cultures, the concept of taking away has been used for centuries for trade and counting.
Historical Context
- Ancient Egyptians used subtraction in their writing over 5,000 years ago, reflecting basic mathematical understanding.
- Medieval Arab mathematicians improved subtraction methods, helping to shape modern arithmetic.
- The introduction of negative numbers in the 15th century revolutionized how subtraction was viewed and taught.
Practical Applications
- Subtraction is used daily in finance, such as calculating expenses or balancing a budget.
- In cooking, subtraction helps determine ingredient amounts – if you have 3 cups of flour and use 1, you’re left with 2.
- It plays a vital role in measurements and construction, ensuring accurate planning and execution.
Psychology
- Studies show that visualizing subtraction helps children better grasp the concept and improve their problem-solving skills.
- Emotional responses can be linked to subtraction in scenarios like loss, where taking away affects feelings.
- Recognizing patterns in subtraction can enhance cognitive development in early childhood learning.
Education
- Subtraction is one of the first math skills taught in early education, laying the groundwork for more complex mathematics.
- Games and interactive tools are often used in classrooms to make learning subtraction more engaging and fun.
- Patterns in subtraction help students understand relationships between numbers, fostering a deeper mathematical intuition.
Translations
Translations of the word "subtraction" in other languages:
🇵🇹 subtração
🇮🇳 घटाव
🇩🇪 Subtraktion
🇮🇩 pengurangan
🇺🇦 віднімання
🇵🇱 odejmowanie
🇯🇵 減算 (げんさん)
🇫🇷 soustraction
🇪🇸 sustracción
🇹🇷 çıkarma
🇰🇷 뺄셈
🇸🇦 طرح
🇨🇿 odčítání
🇸🇰 odčítanie
🇨🇳 减法 (jiǎnfǎ)
🇸🇮 odštevanje
🇮🇸 frádráttur
🇰🇿 азайту
🇬🇪 გამოკლება
🇦🇿 çıxma
🇲🇽 sustracción