What do you call the answer to a subtraction problem
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The answer to a subtraction problem is called the difference.
Explanation:
In mathematics, subtraction is one of the four basic arithmetic operations. It involves taking one number away from another. The number from which another number is subtracted is called the minuend, and the number that is subtracted is called the subtrahend. The result obtained after subtracting the subtrahend from the minuend is known as the difference.
For example, in the expression:
CopyEdit10 − 4 = 6
- 10 is the minuend
- 4 is the subtrahend
- 6 is the difference
The term “difference” originates from the Latin word differentia, which means “to carry apart.” In arithmetic, it refers to how much one number differs from another in value. This concept is essential not just in simple arithmetic but also in advanced mathematics, including algebra and calculus.
The difference helps measure changes, such as comparing two amounts, identifying how much more or less something is, or evaluating gaps in data. For instance, in financial calculations, the difference is used to determine profit or loss by subtracting costs from revenue. In temperature changes, it helps identify how much colder or warmer it has become.
Understanding the term “difference” is foundational in problem-solving and critical thinking. Whether analyzing numerical data or solving word problems, recognizing that the result of a subtraction is termed the “difference” ensures accurate communication and interpretation of mathematical results.
