Absolute value is a mathematical concept that tells us the distance of a number from zero on the number line. It’s always a positive number or zero, regardless of the sign of the original number.
as an example, the absolute value of -3 is 3, because 3 is the distance between -3 and 0 on the number line. Basically the absolute value of 5 is 5, because 5 is the distance between 5 and zero on the number line.
The absolute value of a number is written using vertical bars, like this: |x|. if we wanted to write the absolute value of -4, we would write it as |-4|, which is equal to 4.
You can think of absolute value as a way to basically “ignore” the sign of a number and focus only on its distance from zero. This can be useful in many different situations, from solving equations to measuring physical quantities like speed or distance.
Knowing what and how the absolute value works, will help when it comes time to take test to get into apprenticeship programs! Even though, it’s not used on a daily basis out in the field, they want to see where your math skills lie! So knowing basic algebra WILL help you succeed getting into an apprenticeship and throughout it as well!
