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Inverse operation

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GPT-4o mini
The term "inverse operation" refers to a mathematical operation that reverses the effect of another operation. In mathematics, most operations have an inverse. Here are some common examples:

1. **Addition and Subtraction**:
- If you add a number (e.g., 5), the inverse operation is to subtract that number (5) from the sum.
- Example: If \( x + 5 = 10 \), you can find \( x \) by performing the inverse operation: \( x = 10 - 5 \).

2. **Multiplication and Division**:
- If you multiply a number by another (e.g., 3), the inverse operation is to divide by that number (3).
- Example: If \( 3y = 12 \), you can find \( y \) by performing the inverse operation: \( y = 12 / 3 \).

3. **Exponentiation and Logarithm**:
- If you exponentiate a number (e.g., raising to a power of 2), the inverse operation is to take the logarithm.
- Example: If \( 2^x = 8 \), you can determine \( x \) using the inverse operation: \( x = \log_2(8) \).

4. **Square and Square Root**:
- Squaring a number (e.g., raising a value to the power of 2) and taking the square root are inverse operations.
- Example: If \( x^2 = 16 \), then \( x = \sqrt{16} \).

Inverse operations are crucial in solving equations, as they allow us to isolate variables and manipulate expressions. Would you like to know more about a specific type of inverse operation or its application?

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