Subtrahend: meaning, definitions and examples

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subtrahend

 

[ sʌbtrəˌhɛnd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics, arithmetic

A subtrahend is a number that is to be subtracted from another number in a mathematical operation. In a subtraction equation, it is the second number, shown typically after a minus sign. For example, in the equation 10 - 4, the number 4 is the subtrahend. Understanding the role of the subtrahend is essential in performing arithmetic correctly and can aid in solving complex problems involving subtraction.

Synonyms

number being subtracted, subtractee.

Examples of usage

  • In the equation 15 - 7, the number 7 is the subtrahend.
  • To find the difference, subtract the subtrahend from the minuend.
  • In school, students learn how to identify the subtrahend in various equations.

Translations

Translations of the word "subtrahend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subtraendo

🇮🇳 घटाने वाला

🇩🇪 Subtrahend

🇮🇩 pengurang

🇺🇦 від'ємник

🇵🇱 odjemnik

🇯🇵 減数 (げんすう)

🇫🇷 soustrait

🇪🇸 minuendo

🇹🇷 çıkartılan

🇰🇷 감소수 (gamsosu)

🇸🇦 المطروح

🇨🇿 odčitatel

🇸🇰 odčítanec

🇨🇳 被减数 (bèi jiǎn shù)

🇸🇮 odštevalec

🇮🇸 frádráttur

🇰🇿 азайтушы

🇬🇪 გამოკლებადი

🇦🇿 çıxarılan

🇲🇽 minuendo

Etymology

The word 'subtrahend' is derived from the Latin word 'subtrahendus', which means 'to be subtracted'. In mathematics, the development of subtraction as a fundamental operation led to the need for specific terminology to describe the components involved in subtraction. The term began to be used in the English language in the 17th century, during a period when mathematical vocabulary was expanding due to the influence of Latin and scientific texts. The prefix 'sub-' means 'under' or 'below', while 'trahere' means 'to draw' or 'to pull', indicating the action of taking away or drawing from a total. Over time, as mathematical education became more formalized, the term 'subtrahend' became standard terminology in arithmetic and algebra, aiding in the clarity of mathematical communication.