Subtraction is the operation that is the inverse of addition. Subtracting a number has the effect of nullifying the addition of that same number. For example, if one adds 11 to 41 then subtracts 11, the result is 41 again.
Symbolically, for any numbers a and b, (a + b) - b = a
Or one can subtract first, then add: (a - b) + b = a
Thus, one can say that subtraction and addition are "inverse operations."
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