What is an inverse operation?
An inverse operation is one that “un-does” an operation. If you perform the operation on some value or variable, the inverse operation performed on that result will give you back the original value or variable. In other words, the two operations together result in the identity element for that operation. Examples The additive inverse of a number is its “opposite”. If I add 5, for example, then add its opposite, -5, the result is the same as adding 0, the additive identity element. X + 5 – 5 = x + 0 = x The multiplicative inverse of a number is its reciprocal. If i multiply by 5, for example, then multiply by the reciprocal of 5, the result is the same as multiplying by 1, the multiplicative identity element. X*5*(1/5) = x*1 = x If I take the sine of a value, then the arcsine of that, the result is the original value (within certain limits). The arcsine function returns the angle whose sine is a particular value.
