1.2.4
Inverse Operations
Inverse Operations
Inverse Operations
Inverse means the opposite. Inverse operations are useful because they help us to check our answers using number relationships.


Operations
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.


Addition and subtraction
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.


Multiplication and division
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.
1Year 3 - Number
1.1Number & Place Value
1.2Addition & Subtraction
1.3Multiplication & Division
2Year 3 - Measurement
2.3Volume & Capacity
3Year 3 - Geometry
3.2Properties of Shapes
3.3Straight Lines
4Year 3 - Statistics
4.1Statistics
5Year 4 - Number
5.1Number & Place Value
5.2Addition & Subtraction
5.3Multiplication & Division
6Year 4 - Measurement
7Year 4 - Geometry
7.1Properties of Shapes
7.2Perimeter & Area
7.3Position & Direction
8Year 4 - Statistics
Jump to other topics
1Year 3 - Number
1.1Number & Place Value
1.2Addition & Subtraction
1.3Multiplication & Division
2Year 3 - Measurement
2.3Volume & Capacity
3Year 3 - Geometry
3.2Properties of Shapes
3.3Straight Lines
4Year 3 - Statistics
4.1Statistics
5Year 4 - Number
5.1Number & Place Value
5.2Addition & Subtraction
5.3Multiplication & Division
6Year 4 - Measurement
7Year 4 - Geometry
7.1Properties of Shapes
7.2Perimeter & Area
7.3Position & Direction
8Year 4 - Statistics
Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium
Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions
Mini-mock exams based on your study history
Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books