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Words That Mean Subtraction in Word Problems

These are the 12 signal words that tell you to subtract in a maths word problem — with a worked example and the most common trap to avoid.

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Common trap

"Less than" reverses the word order — "5 less than 12" means 12 − 5, not 5 − 12. English states the smaller number first even though it is subtracted second. This is the single most common subtraction word-problem error.

Subtraction Signal Words (12)

difference fewer less than remain left how many more decreased by minus take away subtracted from reduced by how much taller/shorter/longer

Worked Example

A parking lot has 24 cars. 9 cars leave. How many cars remain?

Why Subtraction?

"Remain" tells you to subtract what left from the total: 24 − 9 = 15.

✓ Answer: 15 cars

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Related Pages

Words That Mean Add → Words That Mean Multiply → Words That Mean Divide → All Word Problem Keywords →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are signal words in math?
Signal words are words or phrases in a word problem that indicate which operation to use — e.g., "total" signals addition, "left" signals subtraction, "each" often signals multiplication, and "shared equally" signals division.
Why does "less than" reverse the order?
Because English states the smaller-context number first even though it's subtracted second. "5 less than 12" = 12 − 5. A good habit: read the whole sentence, identify the total, then subtract the amount described as "less."