Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
"Difference" in mathematics means **subtraction** — specifically, the result when you subtract the smaller number from the larger one.
So: **12 − 5 = 7**
Think of it this way: if you have ₦12 and spend ₦5, how much remains? Seven naira. That's your difference.
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
- **Option A (5)**: You might pick the smaller number by mistake, thinking "difference" means one of the original values.
- **Option B (6)**: Common calculation error — maybe you miscounted: 12 − 5 = 6? Check your subtraction carefully.
- **Option D (10)**: This trap catches students who **add** instead of subtract (5 + 5 = 10, or thinking of rounding).
**Quick takeaway**
*"Difference = Big minus Small"* — always subtract the smaller number from the bigger one, and double-check your arithmetic. Simple questions like this are meant to test your attention to detail, so slow down and compute carefully!
Want this in Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa? Sign up free →
Practice more Mathematics questions
BECE Mathematics has thousands more questions like this — with Worked answers on every one.