|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| se lee "el valor absoluto de 9."
Como 9 está a 9 espacios del cero en la recta numérica, el valor absoluto es 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| se lee "el valor absoluto de -4".
Como -4 está a 4 espacios de cero en la recta numérica, el valor absoluto es 4.

​|-4|

Absolute Value/Valor absoluto

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

​

​|5-3| = |2| = 2
Las barras de valor absoluto también son símbolos de agrupación, por lo que primero debes completar la operación dentro de ellas y luego tomar el valor absoluto.

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

​

​(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).​

​

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.)

​

The absolute value of a variable inside the bars can be positive or negative

= 9

The solution to an Absolute value is ALWAYS positive.
If you have to solve for a negative solution there is NO SOLUTION

X=

= -9

How to solve

• Get absolute value by itself

• If equal to a negative the answer is no solution

• If not get rid of absolute value by separating into two two equations

• Solve equations like usual

• Obtener valor absoluto por sí solo

• Si es igual a negativo la respuesta no es solución

• Si no, deshazte del valor absoluto separándolo en dos dos ecuaciones.

• Resuelve ecuaciones como de costumbre.

Example:

Example:

Example: