What is a difference?

The difference is the result of subtraction, how far apart two numbers are. You find it by taking the smaller number away from the larger one, or by counting up from one to the other.

Examples

• The difference between 10 and 4 is 6 (10 − 4 = 6).
• The difference between 15 and 15 is 0.
• 9 and 2 have a difference of 7.

Quick facts

• 'Find the difference' is a subtraction, even when the question doesn't say 'subtract'.
• On a number line, the difference is the distance between the two numbers.