Learn Before
Example

Simplifying Absolute Value Expressions

To simplify an expression involving absolute value, determine the distance of the number inside the bars from zero:

  • ∣3∣=3|3| = 3, because 3{3} is three units from 0{0}.
  • ∣−44∣=44|-44| = 44, because −44{-44} is forty-four units from 0{0}.
  • ∣0∣=0|0| = 0, because 0{0} is zero units from itself.

Since absolute value measures distance, the result is always the non-negative version of the number inside the bars. For a positive number or zero, the absolute value equals the number itself; for a negative number, the absolute value equals its opposite.

0

1

Updated 2026-04-21

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.1 Foundations - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Prealgebra

Related
Learn After