inverse operations
Mathematically canceling procedures
Inverse operations are mathematical procedures that undo each other.
Addition and subtraction are inverse operations: adding 5 then subtracting 5 returns you to the starting number.
Multiplication and division work the same way, as do squaring and taking square roots.
The concept is fundamental to solving equations—to isolate a variable, you apply the inverse of whatever operation binds it.
- additionJoining quantities mathematically
- subtractionRemoving quantities mathematically
- multiplicationProduct-finding operation
- divisionSplitting into parts
- cancel outNeutralize by opposing force
undo · undo button · ctrl z · reverse · reverse order · cancel · reciprocal · opposite · negate · square · square root · root · exponent · logarithm · balance · equation · solve · algebra