Skip to content
    Mathematics GCSE

    inverse operations

    What inverse operations means in Mathematics GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.

    Definitions of inverse operations

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain inverse operations in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: Pearson Edexcel

    Operations that undo each other, such as addition and subtraction, or multiplication and division; they are used to check answers and solve equations.
    Pearson Edexcel · Number - Structure and calculation (study guide)
    Operations that undo each other, such as addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, squaring and square-rooting, and reciprocals.
    AQA · Structure and calculation (study guide)
    Working backwards through the boxes and undoing each operation, in reverse order, recovers an input from a known output.
    Pearson Edexcel · Algebra - Notation, vocabulary and manipulation (study guide)

    Topics that use inverse operations

    Related terms

    Using inverse operations in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Mathematics questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Mathematics GCSE terms