Absolute value · EduSite Academy

▶ Absolute value examples

The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero on a number line, always resulting in a positive value. This concept is essential in mathematics, as it helps to simplify calculations and understand the magnitude of numbers, regardless of their positive or negative sign. Examples include finding the absolute values of 5, -10, and -12.

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📄 Intro to absolute value

The absolute value of a number is its distance from $0$.

For example, the absolute value of $4$ is $\blueD4$:

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This seems kind of obvious. Of course the distance from $0$ to $4$ is $\blueD4$. Where absolute value gets interesting is with negative numbers.

For example, the absolute value of $-4$ is also $\blueD4$:

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Let's practice!

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##The absolute value symbol

The symbol for absolute value is a bar $|$ on each side of the number.

For example, instead of writing

"the absolute value of $-6$"

we can just write

$|-6|$.

Let's practice!

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▶ Absolute value and number lines

One easy way to think of absolute value is the distance it is from zero. To do that, a number line comes in handy. Watch and learn.

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▶ Interpreting absolute value

In this weight change scenario, three individuals track their monthly progress. Jenna experiences a 3-pound weight loss, while Sarah gains 2.5 pounds and Bill gains 4 pounds. By plotting these changes on a number line, we can determine that Jenna lost the most weight, Bill had the largest change, and Sarah had the smallest change.

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