subtraction etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: subtraction
  • Latin: subtractio

Meaning:

Subtraction is the mathematical operation of finding the difference between two numbers or quantities. It involves taking away a smaller number from a larger number. The result of subtraction is called "the difference."

Origin:

The word "subtraction" comes from the Latin word "subtractio," which means "a taking away." This word is derived from the verb "subtrahere," which means "to draw away from beneath" or "to take away from."

Historical Development:

In ancient times, subtraction was performed using various physical methods, such as using a counting board or an abacus. By the Middle Ages, it had become a standard mathematical operation, as described by scholars like Al-Khwarizmi and Fibonacci.

In the 17th century, René Descartes introduced the concept of negative numbers, which made subtraction more versatile and powerful. Negative numbers can be subtracted from positive numbers to find the difference, or vice versa.

Usage:

Subtraction is used in a wide range of applications, including:

  • Calculating change in quantity
  • Finding the difference between two measurements
  • Solving equations
  • Balancing chemical reactions
  • Measuring time intervals

subtraction relate terms

  • tract

    Etymology The word tract comes from the Latin tractus meaning a drawn line a stre

  • drag

    Etymology The word drag originates from the Middle English term dragen which means

  • substract

    Etymology Latin subtrahere to take away subtract withdraw Parts of Speech Verb

  • subtraction

    Etymology Old French subtraction Latin subtractio Meaning Subtraction is the math

  • abstract

    Etymology Origin Latin abstractus past participle of abstrahere meaning to draw away

  • subtract

    Etymology Origin Latin subtrahere to under pull Meaning The act of removing or taki

  • deduction

    Etymology Deduction is derived from the Latin word deducere which means to lead down

  • minus

    Etymology The word minus comes from the Latin word minuere which means to make less

  • negative

    Etymology Prefix neg Latin meaning no not Root agere Latin meaning to do

  • borrow

    Etymology Old English borgian meaning to take or give as security Proto Germanic bu

  • Julian

    Etymology From the Late Latin name Julianus which is derived from the Latin genus Juli

  • bite

    Etymology The word bite comes from the Old English word bitan which means to cut or

  • decrease

    Etymology Middle English decressen from Old French decroistre from Late Latin decr

  • introduce

    Etymology The Study of Word Origins Etymology is a branch of linguistics that investigat

  • reduction

    Etymology Reduction is derived from the Latin verb reducere which means to lead ba