The absolute value of a number represents its distance from 0 on the number line.
Understanding Absolute Value
Absolute value essentially disregards the sign of a number and only considers its magnitude or distance from zero.
- Definition: The absolute value of a number is its distance from 0 on the number line.
- Notation: It is denoted by two vertical bars surrounding the number, like this: |x|.
Examples
| Number | Absolute Value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| -7 | -7 | |
| 5 | 5 | |
| 0 | 0 |
As you can see, the absolute value is always non-negative. It is either positive or zero.
Practical Implications
Absolute value is used in many areas of mathematics and real-world applications:
- Distance Calculation: Determining the distance between two points, regardless of direction.
- Error Analysis: Calculating the magnitude of an error without considering whether it's an overestimation or underestimation.
- Computer Science: Used in various algorithms, such as those involving vector magnitudes or error correction.
