Question

the inverse operation of addition, frequently used in the process of isolating variables in literal equations, is.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall inverse operations

Inverse operations reverse each other's effect.

Step2: Identify inverse of addition

Addition's reverse is subtraction (e.g., $a + b - b = a$).

Step3: Confirm use in isolating variables

Subtraction removes added terms to isolate variables in equations.

Answer:

Subtraction