Absolute Value
Part of the Numbers & Operations section of Coddy's Pre-Algebra journey. Lesson 16 of 60.
The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero, and a distance is never negative. It is written with two upright bars: |-8| is 8, because -8 is eight steps from zero, and |8| is 8 as well.
So the absolute value keeps the size of a number and drops its sign. Opposites always have the same absolute value, since they are the same distance from zero.
Absolute value bars group like parentheses: work out each one first. |-11| + |3| becomes 11 + 3, which is 14.
Challenge
Work out |-15| - |6|.
Try it yourself
Simplify the expression
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Numbers & Operations
1Working on the Board
Your First AnswerType the Next LineOne Line at a TimeDots and BarsFriendly ProductsRecap: Board Work4Adding Integers
Adding Two NegativesDifferent SignsZero PairsAdding Several IntegersRecap: Adding Integers2Order of Operations
Multiply Before AddingLeft to RightParentheses FirstBrackets Inside BracketsThe Fraction Bar GroupsRecap: Order of Operations5Subtracting Integers
Add the OppositeSubtracting a NegativePlus and Minus in a RowDistance Between NumbersRecap: Subtracting Integers