Absolute Value Definition

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.

1. \(\color{blue}{\left|-156\right|}\)
2. \(\color{blue}{−|−14|=−14}\)
3. \(\color{blue}{|170|}\)

1. \(\color{blue}{156}\)
2. \(\color{blue}{−14}\)
3. \(\color{blue}{170}\)