Multiplication and Division as Inverse Operations
22 October 2026
Multiplication and division example
What number multiplied by 4 gives 20?
Write the multiplication:? × 4 = 20
Use the inverse operation. Divide 20 by 4.
20 ÷ 4 = 5
So, the missing number is 5. 5 × 4 = 20.
Key insight: Multiplication and division undo each other. You can use one to check the other.
The correct answer is 5.
