Absolute Value Definition
This step-by-step guide reviews and explains the definition of absolute value in an easy-to-follow manner.

Absolute value definition
The absolute value of a real number is its positive distance from \(0\) on a number line, regardless of its sign. It is always positive.
Understanding absolute value – Example 1
Find the absolute value of \(|-17|\).
Solution:
According to \(17≥0\), the absolute value of \(-17\) is seventeen units away from \(0\). So,\( |-17|=17\).
Understanding absolute value – Example 2
Find the absolute value of \(|-9|\).
Solution:
According to \( 9≥0\), the absolute value of \(-9\) is nine units away from \(0\). So, \(|-9|=9\).
Exercises for understanding absolute value
Find the absolute value of each number.
- \(\color{blue}{\left|-156\right|}\)
- \(\color{blue}{−|−14|=−14}\)
- \(\color{blue}{|170|}\)

- \(\color{blue}{156}\)
- \(\color{blue}{−14}\)
- \(\color{blue}{170}\)
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