The equation "5 - 2 = 3" represents a basic arithmetic operation known as subtraction. In this case, the number 5 is the starting quantity, and 2 is the amount being taken away. The result of this operation is 3, which indicates how many remain after the subtraction. Subtraction is one of the four fundamental operations in mathematics, alongside addition, multiplication, and division. It helps us understand how to compare quantities and solve problems involving loss or decrease. In everyday life, we often use subtraction to calculate things like remaining money or the number of items left after some have been used.