Definition
Inverse operations
Inverse operations reverse each other, so one can undo what the other did.
What it means
An inverse operation walks a calculation backward. If adding 9 takes 6 to 15, subtracting 9 takes 15 back to 6. The same undo idea links multiplication and division. Inverse operations help you check calculations and solve for an unknown.
Remember it
Do, then undo.
Example
7 × 8 = 56, so 56 ÷ 8 = 7. The division reverses the multiplication and checks the fact.
Watch for
Division by zero is not defined, so multiplying by zero cannot be undone by dividing by zero.
Common mix-up
Inverse does not mean “change the sign.” You must reverse the actual operation using the matching number or factor.
Exact meaning
Inverse operations reverse each other when the operations are defined. Addition and subtraction form an inverse pair; multiplication and division form an inverse pair, with division by zero excluded.