inverse
Pronunciation: [ɪnˈvɜrs]
Context: “mathematics”
(adjective) describing something that is opposite or turned backward. In math, if you have a number, its inverse is what you need to get back to one. For example, the inverse of 2 is 1/2 because when you multiply them, you get 1.
Example
To solve the equation, we used the inverse operation of addition, which is subtraction.
Example
The two numbers were not inverses; they did not multiply to give one.
Example
What is the inverse of this number in our math problem?
Context: “mathematics”
(noun) a value or operation that is opposite to another. In math, for every number, there's an inverse that helps you do calculations correctly. For example, multiplying and dividing can be considered inverses.
Example
The teacher explained that addition and subtraction are inverses of each other.
Example
He thought that twelve was the inverse of three, but that is incorrect.
Example
Can you find the inverse of this function we talked about?
Context: “general”
(noun) something that is the opposite of something else. Like how hot is the opposite of cold, or how winning is the opposite of losing.
Example
Her happiness was an inverse reflection of his sadness.
Example
His actions showed no inverse relationship to his words; they were completely different.
Example
What is the inverse of your previous opinion on the matter?