The answer to a subtraction question.
In math, the difference is the result we get when we subtract one number from another. It tells us how much more, how much less, or how far apart two numbers are.
At Mathnasium, we teach two ways of thinking about subtraction:
1. We can think about subtraction as “up to” when numbers feel close together on a number line. The question we are trying to answer is: “How far is it from this number to that number?”
For example, how far is it from 9 to 7?
It’s 2, right?
2. Another way we can think about calculating difference is as “taking away” when numbers feel far apart on a number line. We are trying to answer the question: If we take away this many items from that many items, how much is left?
For example, if we take away 2 apples from a basket of 9, how much is left?
The difference is 7 apples!
We use differences to:
-
Compare two amounts
-
Solve word problems like “how many more?” or “how much farther?”
-
Measure changes in temperature, time, distance, and more
When Do Students Learn About Difference?
Students first encounter the concept of difference when they begin learning subtraction in early elementary school.
Grades K–2 – Learning About Difference
Students learn to subtract numbers within 20 and use words like "take away," "how far," or “how many more” to describe difference.
Grades 3–5 – Using Difference in Word Problems
Students begin solving more complex subtraction problems, including those involving regrouping, measurement, and real-world applications.
