absolute value
The absolute value of a number is the distance between that number and zero on the number line
The absolute value of a number is the distance between that number and zero on the number line. It is the magnitude or size of the number, without considering its sign.
For example, the absolute value of -5 is written as |-5| and it is equal to 5. This is because -5 is 5 units away from zero on the number line, and the absolute value disregards the negative sign.
In general, if a is a real number, then the absolute value of a, denoted as |a|, can be defined as:
– If a is positive, then |a| = a.
– If a is negative, then |a| = -a.
This definition ensures that the result is always a non-negative value.
Absolute value is often used to find the distance between two numbers or to compare the magnitudes of numbers. It is also used in solving equations and inequalities, as it allows us to remove the negative sign and work with positive values.
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