Addition and Subtraction as Inverse Operations: Step-by-Step Example
22 October 2026
Addition and subtraction are called inverse operations because they undo each other. This means you can use one to check the other. Let's look at a clear example to see how this works in practice.
Example question
Start with 14 + 5 = 19
To check, use the inverse operation: 19 - 5 = 14
Step 1: Add 14 + 5. This equals 19.
Step 2: Now subtract 5 from 19. 19 - 5 = 14.
We are back to the number we started with.
The answer is 19.
Now you can see how addition and subtraction are linked. When your child understands this, they can check their own answers and spot mistakes more easily. The next step is to practise similar questions using inverse operations.
