Absolute value is an operation in mathematics, written as bars on either side of the expression. For example, the absolute value of -1 is written as |-1|.

Absolute value can be thought of in three ways. First, the absolute value of any number is defined as the positive of that number. For example, |8| =8 and |-8| = 8. Second, one absolute value equation can yield two solutions.

For example, if we solve the equation |x| = 2, not only does x= 2 but also x =-2 because  |2|= 2 and |-2| = 2.

Third, absolute value is defined as the distance, without regard to direction, that any number is from 0 on the  real number line. Consider a formula for the distance on the real number line as  |k – 0|, in which k is any real number. Then, for example, the distance that 11 is from 0 would be 11 (because  |11 -0| =11). Likewise, the absolute value of 11 is equal to 11. The distance for -11 will also equal 11 (because  |-11 – 0| = |-11|= 11), and the absolute value of -11 is 11.

Thus, the absolute value of any real number is equal to the absolute value of its distance from 0 on the number line. Furthermore, if the absolute value is not used in the above formula  |k – 0|, the result for any negative number will be a negative distance. Absolute value helps improve formulas in order to obtain realistic solutions.  

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Reference

Barry Max Brandenberger, Jr.(2002). Mathematics. Macmillan Reference USA. pag (3)

مواضيع ذات صلة

Factors and Multiples

Basic Division

Addition

Division by Zero

Descartes and His Coordinate System

Decimals

Data Analyst

Coordinate System, Polar

Calculators

Bouncing Ball, Measurement of a

Angles, Measurement of

Angles of Elevation and Depression