Subtraction is a basic mathematical operation that involves taking one number away from another. It helps us find the difference between two quantities. For example, if you have 5 apples and you give away 2 apples, you can use subtraction to determine how many apples you have left: 5 - 2 = 3. In everyday life, subtraction is used in various situations, such as calculating change when shopping or determining how much time is left before an event. Understanding subtraction is essential for solving more complex math problems and is a foundational skill in mathematics.