Subtraction finds the difference between two numbers. 9 − 4 = 5. It is the inverse of addition: if 5 + 4 = 9, then 9 − 4 = 5. The result is the difference. The number being subtracted is the subtrahend; the number it is subtracted from is the minuend.

Subtraction is not commutative: 9 − 4 is not the same as 4 − 9. The latter gives −5, a negative number. Subtraction can be thought of as adding the opposite: 9 − 4 = 9 + (−4). That view simplifies algebra.

In everyday life, subtraction calculates change, remaining quantities, and differences. In mathematics, it extends to fractions, decimals, algebraic expressions, and vectors. Understanding subtraction as inverse addition is a key step in learning algebra.

• Finds the difference between numbers
• Inverse of addition
• Not commutative
• Equivalent to adding the opposite