What does the difference mean in math Meaning and Definition
What does the difference mean in math
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪfˈrns/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
In mathematics, the difference between two numbers refers to their subtraction. It is the result of one number minus another number.
Examples
- The difference between 5 and 3 is 2.
- The difference between 10 and 7 is 3.
Synonyms
- Discrepancy
- Gap
Antonyms
- Similarity
- Closeness
Etymology
The word “difference” originates from the Latin word “differentia,” meaning ” separation” or ” distinction.” Its use in mathematics dates back to the 16th century.
Usage Notes
The word “difference” can be used in various mathematical contexts, such as finding the difference between two numbers, comparing the difference between numbers, or using it to describe the disparity between quantities.
Cultural References
References to the concept of difference can be found in everyday life, such as when comparing prices between different stores, or when calculating the difference between two scores in a sports game.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To make a difference
- In the difference
Related Words or Phrases
- Similarity
- Difference quotient
Collocations
- Compute the difference
- Find the difference
Frequency of Use
The word “difference” is frequently used in mathematics and everyday life, particularly when comparing or calculating the disparity between numbers or quantities.
Common Misspellings
- Diffrnce
- Diffrnce