Basic Math Operations 

Parts of Equations

We will be looking at various math operations such as addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (x), and division (÷). Let's briefly discuss the parts of addition and subtraction equations.

Addition

An easy addition equation may look like this -

          7 + 3 = 10
addend + addend = sum

The numbers 7 and 3 are called "addends".
The answer is called the "sum".
10 is the sum of 7+3.

The Equal Sign

The equal sign (=) says that what is on the left of the sign is equal to , or the same amount as, what is on the right of the sign.
Let's look at the equations

6 + 1 = 10 -3       and       6 + 1 = 3 + 4
   7            7                         7          7

The amounts on either side of the equal signs are the same. Can you see how I could have written many more equations?

Subtraction

An easy subtraction equation may look like this -

          10 - 6 = 4
minuend - subtrahend = difference

The 10 is the first number and it is called the "minuend". It is usually the greatest number.
The number after the minus sign is called the "subtrahend". In this case it is the number 6. It is usually less than the minuend, but can be the same as the minuend.
The answer is called the "difference".
The difference between 10 and 6 is 4.

Click here for further information.
The Math is Fun! website has a good illustrated dictionary that explains many math terms. Click here to look at it.
You can also review and practise number skills on this site - click here.
Worksheets can also be printed from this site.