An inverse operation is a mathematical process that reverses the effect of another operation. For example, addition and subtraction are inverse operations. If you add a number, you can subtract the same number to return to the original value. This relationship helps in solving equations and understanding how numbers interact. Similarly, multiplication and division are also inverse operations. If you multiply a number by a certain value, dividing by that same value will bring you back to the original number. Understanding inverse operations is essential in algebra and helps in simplifying complex problems involving variables and constants.