An Introduction to Mathematical Operators for Kids
Learning mathematical operations and their use at an early age can help kids have a better grasp of Mathematics as they grow up. Mathematical operators are defined as mathematical symbols, which emphasise a particular function. The mathematical operators are similar to verbs in the English language. Just as verbs run and eat denote a particular action, mathematical operators such as plus (+), minus (-) denote a function.
The article focuses on providing an explanation, and the use of a mathematical operator called minus. Some solved examples are also provided in the article that can help in better understanding of what is minus for kids.
What is Minus?
Minus is a mathematical operator. In simpler terms, minus can be defined as a sign that is used to represent various things. The minus sign is denoted by (-). One of the most common things for which the sign is used is the representation of subtraction operations in maths. This is explained in detail in the below article.
Image mentioning minus sign and its mathematical operation
What is Subtraction?
Subtraction is a mathematical operation that is used to define a condition when we need to calculate the remaining numbers if certain numbers are taken away. Minus is the sign that is used to represent this mathematical operation. It can be better understood by the following example.
Example:
Shreya has 8 candies, Rashmi takes 2 candies from her. How many candies are left with Shreya?
Ans.
Total number of candies shreya has = 8
Candies taken by Rashmi = 2
The number of candies left with shreya can be calculated as:
8-2= 6
6 candies are left with Shreya.
The (-) sign represents the operation of subtraction.
Image illustrating the minus sign
What Does Minus Represent?
As we have seen the minus sign is used to represent subtraction, but apart from it, the minus sign is also used to represent the following actions:
Minus Is Used to Represent Negative Numbers
The minus sign (-) represents the negative integers. Integers are defined as a group consisting of whole numbers and negative numbers. Integers can be written without the fractional part. The minus sign helps in defining the negative numbers. It can be better understood by the exemplary diagram mentioned below.
The image illustrates the minus representation of negative numbers
Minus is Used in the Representation of Temperature
The minus sign is used to represent the temperature that is below 0 degrees. For example, a temperature of -5 degrees Celsius is defined as the temperature being 5 degrees below zero. If the temperature further drops by 2 degrees Celsius, it is said that the temperature is -7 degrees Celsius.
Minus is Used to Represent the Direction
In a graph, the negative direction is represented by the minus sign. This can be better understood by the graph mentioned below.
Image illustrating the negative direction in graph
Thus, we can conclude that the minus sign is a mathematical operator that is used to represent subtraction operations. Apart from it, minus is also used to represent negative integers, direction and temperatures. Hopefully we have provided a precise discussion that can help kids to understand what is minus.
FAQs on What is Minus? - Introduction to Subtraction
1. Give an example of a mathematical operation using minus as an operator.
The minus sign is commonly used to represent the subtraction operation of maths. Let us consider an example, suppose A has 10 flowers. A loses 2 flowers to B, the remaining flowers with A can be calculated by subtracting 2 from 10. It can be represented as 10-2, which is equal to 8. A has 8 remaining flowers.
2. What is an operation in Mathematics?
The mathematical operation can be best defined as the arithmetic process where a value is calculated by the use of mathematical operands also known as operators. The common operations that are taught to kids at an early age are addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Although they are taught at an early age, these mathematical operations are the basis of various complicated calculations of Maths and Physics.
