In the subtraction 12 − 7, which number is the subtrahend?

In the subtraction 12 − 7, which number is the subtrahend?

• A. 12
• B. 7
• C. 5
• D. The minuend

Answer: (B)

Subtraction uses two parts: the minuend and the subtrahend. The minuend is the starting number, from which you subtract, and the subtrahend is the number you subtract. In 12 − 7, you start with 12 and subtract 7. The number being subtracted is the subtrahend, so it is 7. The result is 5 (the difference). The other numbers fit other roles: 12 is the starting amount (the minuend), and 5 is the difference.

Subtraction uses two parts: the minuend and the subtrahend. The minuend is the starting number, from which you subtract, and the subtrahend is the number you subtract. In 12 − 7, you start with 12 and subtract 7. The number being subtracted is the subtrahend, so it is 7. The result is 5 (the difference). The other numbers fit other roles: 12 is the starting amount (the minuend), and 5 is the difference.