Difference
Difference in Grade 4 Saxon Math Intermediate 4 defines the result of a subtraction problem: when you subtract one number from another, the answer is called the difference. In 12 - 5 = 7, the difference is 7. Students learn to identify the three parts of a subtraction sentence — minuend (starting total), subtrahend (amount taken away), and difference (result) — and apply this understanding to word problems. Keywords such as sell, give away, fly away, and how many are left signal that subtraction is needed. The skill builds precision in mathematical vocabulary alongside computational fluency.
Key Concepts
Property When we subtract one number from another number, the answer is called the difference.
Example In the problem $12 5 = 7$, the number 7 is the difference. To find the difference between twenty dollars and twelve dollars, you calculate $20 12 = 8$.
Explanation The 'difference' is just the fancy math name for the answer you get after subtracting! If your brother has ten dollars and you have seven dollars, the difference is three dollars. It is what is left over or the amount between the two numbers. It is the result of a subtraction problem.
Common Questions
What does difference mean in math?
The difference is the answer you get after subtracting. In 20 - 12 = 8, the number 8 is the difference.
What are the three parts of a subtraction problem?
Minuend: the starting total (the largest number). Subtrahend: the amount taken away. Difference: the result.
How do you find the difference between 60 and 15?
Subtract: 60 - 15 = 45. The difference is 45.
What keywords in a word problem signal subtraction?
Words like sell, give away, fly away, how many are left, how many more, and how many less all indicate that subtraction is needed.
What is the most common mistake students make with the word difference?
Confusing difference with sum. Difference means subtract; sum means add. Always identify the correct operation before computing.