Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos, updates, and tips.


Subtraction of Literals

Subtraction of Literals and their combination with the numbers follow the rules of subtraction of numbers.

If we are asked to subtract 5 from 7, then we write 7 – 5.

Exactly in the same way, when we are asked to subtract a number say 3 from a literal h, we write h – 3 and is read as ‘h minus 3’.

Note that h – 3 can also be read as ‘3 less than a literal number h’.

Similarly, if b is subtracted from a, we write a – b. We can also read a – b as ‘b less than a’.

If a subtracted from b, then we write b – a.

(a – b) – c means that b is subtracted from a and then c is to be subtracted from the result.

We can also say that c is subtracted from the difference of b from a.

It should be noted here that commutativity and associativity of subtraction are not true for literals as they are not true for numbers.

Examples of Subtraction of Literals:

Write each of the following phrases using number, literals and the basic operation of subtraction:

(i) 5 less than literal x

Answer: x – 5


(ii) 100 less than literal p

Answer: p – 100


(iii) Decrease x by 7

Answer: x – 7


(iv) Decrease m by n

Answer: m – n


(v) Subtract 4 from x

Answer: x – 4


(v) Subtract z from 50

Answer: 50 – z


(vi) x less than a sum of y and 7

Answer: (y + 7) – x


(vii) 10 less than a sum of x and y

Answer: (x + y) – 10


(viii) Decrease the sum of x and y by z

Answer: (x + y) – z


(ix) Decrease the sum of m and 10 by p

Answer: (m + 10) – p


(x) 5 is diminished by z

Answer: 5 - z


(xi) a less than 4

Answer: 4 - a


(xii) 4 less than x

Answer: x - 4


(xiii) Number m less than a number 10

Answer: 10 - m


(xiv) Number 7 less than a number s

Answer: s - 7


(xv) 25 taken away from y

Answer: y - 25


(xvi) x taken away from y

Answer: y - x

Literal Numbers

Addition of Literals

Subtraction of Literals

Multiplication of Literals

Properties of Multiplication of Literals

Division of Literals

Powers of Literal Numbers






Algebra Page

6th Grade Page

Subtraction of Literals to HOME PAGE




Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.




Share this page: What’s this?

Recent Articles

  1. Worksheet on Simple Interest | Word problem on Simple Interest | Free

    Jun 19, 25 02:54 AM

    Worksheet on Simple Interest 2
    In worksheet on simple interest we will get different types of question on calculating the simple interest, the principal amount, the rate of interest and the word problems on simple interest.

    Read More

  2. Terms Related to Simple Interest | Simple Interest Formula | Principal

    Jun 19, 25 12:20 AM

    Terms Related to Simple Interest
    In terms related to simple interest we will learn all the terms related to simple interest. The terms related to simple interest are Interest, Principal, Amount, Simple Interest, Time or period of tim…

    Read More

  3. Introduction to Simple Interest | Definition | Formula | Examples

    Jun 18, 25 01:50 AM

    Simple Interest
    In simple interest we will learn and identify about the terms like Principal, Time, Rate, Amount, etc. PRINCIPAL (P): The money you deposit or put in the bank is called the PRINCIPAL.

    Read More

  4. 5th Grade Profit and Loss Percentage Worksheet | Profit and Loss | Ans

    Jun 18, 25 01:33 AM

    5th Grade Profit and Loss Percentage Worksheet
    In 5th grade profit and loss percentage worksheet you will get different types of problems on finding the profit or loss percentage when cost price and selling price are given, finding the selling pri…

    Read More

  5. Worksheet on Profit and Loss | Word Problem on Profit and Loss | Math

    Jun 18, 25 01:29 AM

    Worksheet on Profit and Loss
    In worksheet on profit and loss, we can see below there are some different types of questions which we can practice in our homework.

    Read More

Literal Numbers - Worksheets

Worksheet on Addition of Literals

Worksheet on Subtraction of Literals

Worksheet on Multiplication of Literals

Worksheet on Division of Literals

Worksheet on Powers of Literal Numbers