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II.1 Addition and subtraction terms

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What are addition and subtraction terms?

In math, every number in an addition or subtraction problem has a special name. Knowing these names helps you understand and talk about math clearly.

Main terms:
  • Addend
  • Sum
  • Minuend
  • Subtrahend
  • Difference
Note

Learning these words is like learning math vocabulary. They tell us the role of each number in a problem.

Addends and Sum (Addition)

Addends are the numbers being added together. The sum is the answer you get when you add the addends.

How to identify:
  • Look at the numbers before the equal sign: these are addends.
  • The number after the equal sign is the sum.
Examples:
  • 6 + 4 = 10
  • 6 and 4 are the addends, 10 is the sum.
  • 12 + 3 = 15 → 12 and 3 are addends, 15 is the sum.
Note

Think: “addends are the parts you put together, and the sum is the total.”

Minuend, Subtrahend, and Difference (Subtraction)

In subtraction, the minuend is the starting number, the subtrahend is the number being taken away, and the difference is the answer.

How to identify:
  • The first number is the minuend.
  • The number being subtracted is the subtrahend.
  • The answer is the difference.
Examples:
  • 9 − 5 = 4
  • 9 is the minuend, 5 is the subtrahend, 4 is the difference.
  • 15 − 7 = 8 → 15 is the minuend, 7 is the subtrahend, 8 is the difference.
Note

Think: “minuend means main number, subtrahend is what you subtract, and the difference is what’s left.”

Why are these terms important?

Math terms are like labels that help explain problems clearly. Knowing them makes it easier to follow directions, solve problems, and show your thinking.

Examples in sentences:
  • “Find the sum of the two addends.”
  • “Subtract the subtrahend from the minuend to get the difference.”
Note

Using the correct math vocabulary helps you explain your answers just like a mathematician.

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