1.2.4

Inverse Operations

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Inverse Operations

Inverse means the opposite. Inverse operations are useful because they help us to check our answers using number relationships.

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Operations

  • In maths, an operation is what you do to solve a calculation (add, subtract, multiply or divide).
  • Each operation has an inverse.
  • Bar models can help us to see number relationships and inverse operations.
Illustrative background for Addition and subtractionIllustrative background for Addition and subtraction ?? "content

Addition and subtraction

  • If we have 4 and add 3, we get 7.
    • 4 + 3 = 7
  • If we have 7 and subtract 3, we get 4.
    • 7 - 3 = 4
  • So subtracting 3 is the inverse operation of adding 3, as it takes us back to 4.
Illustrative background for Multiplication and divisionIllustrative background for Multiplication and division ?? "content

Multiplication and division

  • If we have 5 and multiply it by 3, we get 15.
    • 3 x 5 = 15
  • If we have 15 and divide it by 3, we get 5.
    • 15 รท 3 = 5
  • So dividing by 3 is the inverse operation of multiplying by 3, as it takes us back to 5.

Jump to other topics

1Year 3 - Number

2Year 3 - Measurement

3Year 3 - Geometry

4Year 3 - Statistics

5Year 4 - Number

6Year 4 - Measurement

7Year 4 - Geometry

8Year 4 - Statistics

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