To deduct means to take away a certain amount from a total. In mathematics, this process is often referred to as subtraction. For example, if you have 10 apples and you give away 3, you would deduct 3 from 10, resulting in 7 apples remaining. In everyday life, deducting can apply to finances, such as when calculating expenses. If you earn $500 and spend $200, you would deduct the $200 from your income to find out how much you have left. This simple operation helps in managing budgets and understanding overall financial health.