An example of the absolute value of an integer is |7| = 7.
The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. Because distance is always non-negative, the absolute value of any number is always non-negative.
Here's a breakdown:
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Definition: The absolute value of a number 'x', denoted as |x|, is its distance from 0 on the number line.
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Integers: Integers are whole numbers (not fractions) that can be positive, negative, or zero. Examples include -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3.
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Examples:
- |5| = 5 (The absolute value of 5 is 5 because 5 is 5 units away from 0.)
- |-5| = 5 (The absolute value of -5 is 5 because -5 is 5 units away from 0.)
- |0| = 0 (The absolute value of 0 is 0 because 0 is 0 units away from 0.)
- |-12| = 12
- |23| = 23
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Formal Definition:
|x| = x, if x ≥ 0
|x| = -x, if x < 0
In essence, the absolute value strips away the negative sign if it exists, leaving only the magnitude of the number.
