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
Properties of Multiplication of Literals
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.
Recent Articles
-
Worksheet on Area | Test on Area | Home work on Area | Quiz on Area
Apr 28, 24 05:19 PM
In worksheet on area we will solve different types of question in area. 1. Find the area of a rectangle of length 24 cm and breadth 13 cm. 2. Find the area of a square of side 40 cm. 3. Find the area… -
Preschool Math Activities | Colorful Preschool Worksheets | Lesson
Apr 28, 24 04:19 PM
Preschool math activities are designed to help the preschoolers to recognize the numbers and the beginning of counting. We believe that young children learn through play and from engaging -
Area of a Square | Area of a Square = (Side × Side) Square Units
Apr 28, 24 01:28 PM
In area of a square we will learn how to find the area by counting squares. To find the area of a region of a closed plane figure, we draw the figure on a centimeter squared paper and then count the n… -
Area of a Rectangle | Area of Rectangle = Length × Breadth | Examples
Apr 28, 24 12:56 PM
Area of a rectangle is discussed here. We know, that a rectangle has length and breadth. Let us look at the rectangle given below. Each rectangle is made of squares. The side of each square is 1 cm lo… -
Area | Units to find Area | Conversion Table of Area | Two Dimensional
Apr 28, 24 10:14 AM
The amount of surface that a plane figure covers is called its area. It’s unit is square centimeters or square meters etc. A rectangle, a square, a triangle and a circle are all examples of closed pla…
● Literal Numbers - Worksheets
Worksheet on Addition of Literals
Worksheet on Subtraction of Literals
Worksheet on Multiplication of Literals
Worksheet on Division of Literals
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.