The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, so it is never negative. The absolute value of both 6 and negative 6 is 6, written with vertical bars as |6|.
Math Dictionary / Absolute Value
Absolute Value
Absolute value is the distance of a number from 0 on the number line.
Number SystemGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8Algebra 1GEDSATACT
What it means
It tells how far a number is from zero, so the answer is never negative.
Also called: modulus, distance from zero
Examples
| |-6| = 6 |
| |9| = 9 |
| |0| = 0 |
Common mistake
Do not keep the negative sign inside the bars. |-8| is 8, not -8.
Try one
Question: What is |3 – 11|?
Show answer
3 – 11 = -8, so |3 – 11| = 8.