subtraction

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subtraction fundamental operation of arithmetic; the inverse of addition. If a and b are real numbers (see number ), then the number a - b is that number (called the difference) which when added to b (the subtractor) equals a (the subtrahend). In terms of addition the symbol - b is called the additive inverse of b with the property that the sum of a number and its inverse equals 0, or b +(- b )=0. It follows that -(- b )= b. The subtraction of b from a is the same as the addition of a and the inverse of b, or a - b = a +(- b ); e.g., when a =10 and b =5, then 10-5=10+(-5).

sub·tract / səbˈtrakt/ • v. [tr.] take away (a number or amount) from another to calculate the difference: subtract 43 from 60. ∎  take away (something) from something else so as to decrease the size, number, or amount: programs were added and subtracted as called for. DERIVATIVES: sub·tract·er n. sub·trac·tive / -tiv/ adj.

subtract †withdraw; deduct. XVI. f. subtract-, pp. stem of L. subtrahere, f. SUB- + trahere draw.
So subtraction †withdrawal XIV; taking of one quantity from another XV. — late L. subtractiō, -ōn-.

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