What do screen readers usually announce when encountering a minus sign?

When screen readers encounter a minus sign, they typically announce it as "minus." This is important for accessibility because the indication of a minus sign conveys meaningful information about the context in which it appears, such as denoting negative numbers in mathematical expressions or indicating a decrease in values. By announcing it as "minus," screen readers provide a clear and direct understanding for users relying on audio output, thus ensuring they accurately interpret the data or content presented.

While the other options, such as "zero," "negative," and "subtraction," could bear relevance in particular situations, they do not accurately represent the symbol itself as it is typically understood or used in most contexts where a minus sign appears. Understanding how screen readers interpret various symbols can greatly enhance the document's accessibility for users with visual impairments or those using assistive technology.