Absolute Values
The absolute value of a number is the distance of the number from zero
on the number line.
Absolute value is indicated by placing vertical bars on each side of the
number. For example, the absolute value of 8 is written like this: |8|
We say |8| = 8 because 8 lies 8 units from 0 on the number line.
Likewise, |-8| = 8 because -8 lies 8 units from 0 on the number line.
Example
Find each of the following:
a. |-2|
b. |0|
c. -|5.6|
d. -|-3|
Solution
a. |-2| = 2 because -2 lies 2 units from 0 on the number line.
b. |0| = 0 because 0 lies 0 units from 0 on the number line.
c. -|5.6| = -5.6. The absolute value of 5.6 is 5.6. The negative sign in
front of the absolute value symbol makes the final result -5.6.
d. -|-3| = -3. The absolute value of -3 is 3. The negative sign in front
of the absolute value symbol makes the final result -3.
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