Absolute Value

We indicate absolute value by putting two bars around the number.

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Because the absolute value​ of a number is the distance from zero, it is always positive.

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Absolute Value

|9| is read "the absolute value of 9."

Because 9 is 9 spaces from zero on the number line, the absolute value is 9.​

|9|

|-4| is read "the absolute value of -4."

Because -4 is 4 spaces from zero on the number line, the absolute value is 4.​

​|-4|

Absolute value bars are also grouping symbols, so you must complete the operation inside them first, then take the absolute value.​

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​|5-3| = |2| = 2

Sometimes, there are positive or negative symbols outside an absolute value bar. Think inside, then outside - first take the absolute value of what is inside the bars, then apply the outside symbol.​

-​|6| = -6

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​(The absolute value of 6 is 6. Then we apply the negative symbol on the outside of the absolute value bars to get the answer -6.)

​-​|-16| = -16​

​(The absolute value of -16 is 16. Then we apply the negative symbol on the outside of the absolute value bars to get the answer -16.)

A number in front of the absolute value bars means multiplication (like when we use parentheses).​

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2|-4| (The absolute value of -4 is 4.)

2 x 4 = 8

(Once you have the value inside​ the absolute value bars, you can solve normally.)

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Remember...multiplication can be shown in a few different ways - not just with an x.