Algebra 1 · Expressions & Equations

Inverse Operation

Algebra 1 · Expressions & Equations

Definition

An inverse operation is an operation that undoes another, such as addition and subtraction, used to solve equations.

Examples

  • Undo +5 by subtracting 5.
  • Undo x2 by dividing by 2.

Key rule

Use the inverse operation to isolate the variable.

Memory hook

Inverse = the undo button for each operation.