inverse

The meaning of inverse is reversing something back to the opposite.

We can think about this in the context of mathematical operations.

Add is the inverse of subtract.

For example, 5 + 6 = 11.

We can reverse this by subtracting:

11 – 6 = 5

Therefore, 5 + 6 – 6 = 5.

Multiply is the inverse of divide.

For example, 6 × 10 = 60.

We can reverse this by dividing:

60 ÷ 10 = 6

Therefore, 6 × 10 ÷ 10 = 6.

Inverse also refers to the translation of shapes. It moves a shape back to its original location.

Look at the picture.

Triangle A is translated three units right and two units down for it to be moved to the location of triangle B. The inverse to move triangle B back to its original location, namely triangle A, is three units left and two units up.