Minuend - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn about the first number in subtraction with easy explanations, visual examples, and practice activities
What is a Minuend?
In subtraction, the minuend is the number we start with - it's the number we subtract from. The word "minuend" comes from the Latin word "minuendus" which means "to be decreased" or "to be diminished".
Think of the minuend as the whole amount we begin with before we take something away. For example, if you have 8 cookies and you give 3 to your friend, the 8 is the minuend - it's what you started with.
The minuend is always the first number in a subtraction problem. In the equation 15 - 6 = 9, the number 15 is the minuend.
Key Concept
The minuend is the number we subtract from. It's the starting amount before we take something away.
Parts of a Subtraction Problem
A subtraction problem has three important parts:
2. Subtrahend: The number being subtracted (what we take away)
3. Difference: The result (what remains after subtraction)
Let's look at an example: In 12 - 5 = 7
• Minuend: 12 (the starting number)
• Subtrahend: 5 (the number being subtracted)
• Difference: 7 (the result)
Remember, the minuend is always the first number and it's always the largest number in basic subtraction problems.
Remember
The minuend comes first in subtraction. It's the whole amount we start with before we take something away.
Minuend Examples
Let's look at some examples of minuends in different subtraction problems:
Simple Number Examples
| Subtraction Problem | Minuend | Subtrahend | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 - 4 = 5 | 9 | 4 | 5 |
| 17 - 8 = 9 | 17 | 8 | 9 |
| 25 - 13 = 12 | 25 | 13 | 12 |
| 40 - 15 = 25 | 40 | 15 | 25 |
| 100 - 37 = 63 | 100 | 37 | 63 |
Word Problem Examples
The minuend is 12 (the starting number of stickers).
Example 2: There were 20 birds in a tree. 7 birds flew away. How many birds are left?
The minuend is 20 (the original number of birds).
Example 3: Dad baked 15 cookies. The family ate 6 cookies. How many cookies remain?
The minuend is 15 (the total cookies baked).
Practice Tip
When solving word problems, first identify the starting amount - that's your minuend!
Minuend Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of minuends with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about minuends:
Math Trivia
Discover interesting facts about subtraction and mathematics:
Ancient Subtraction
The concept of subtraction dates back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians used subtraction as early as 2000 BC in their accounting systems and construction projects.
Word Origins
The word "minuend" comes from the Latin word "minuendus" which means "to be decreased". The word "subtrahend" comes from "subtrahendus" meaning "to be taken away".
Opposite Operations
Subtraction and addition are inverse operations. If you subtract a number and then add the same number, you'll end up with your original minuend: (a - b) + b = a.
Mental Math
The world record for mentally subtracting two 10-digit numbers is 6.8 seconds, held by Priyashi Somani of India. She calculated 10,000,000,000 - 2,745,283,641 in her head!
