Which of the following describes inverse operations?

Inverse operations are fundamental mathematical concepts that refer to pairs of operations that 'undo' each other. For example, addition and subtraction are inverse operations because adding a number and then subtracting the same number returns you to your original value. Similarly, multiplication and division are also inverse operations as multiplying a number by a value and then dividing by that same value will return you to your starting number.

Understanding inverse operations is crucial because they allow for the solving of equations and the manipulation of mathematical expressions. When you perform one operation and then its inverse, the two actions effectively cancel each other out, leading you back to the original value, which is a key principle in algebra.

The other choices do not accurately define inverse operations. Operations that add to make a sum refers specifically to addition, while operations that create a product emphasizes multiplication. Meanwhile, operations that solve quadratic equations pertains to a specific type of problem-solving rather than the general concept of inverse operations. Thus, the defining characteristic of operations that 'undo' each other tells us why the correct answer is indeed the one that emphasizes this relationship.