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Absolute Value

Overview

Absolute value, represented as a vertical line on either side of the value, refers to a number or variable’s distance from zero on the number line. There are always two numbers that share the same distance from zero: a positive number and its negative counterpart.

Thus, the absolute value of a number is that number without a positive or negative sign. For example:

|4| = 4
|-4| = 4

Both of these values (4 and -4) are equidistant from 0, and thus have the same absolute value.

Absolute Value Examples

If you are ever confused by absolute value, just remember that absolute value is capturing the distance of a number from 0. Here are a few more examples.

|8| = 8; the absolute value of 8 is 8
|-8| = 8; the absolute value of -8 is also 8
|15| = 15; the absolute value of 15 is 15
|-15| = 115; the absolute value of -15 is also 15

It’s also important to understand how to solve a problem with absolute value, or to solve for a variable (x) in an equation with absolute value. Take a look at the following three examples:

absolute value examples

Some absolute value problems can be quite tricky, but you can solve all absolute value questions by making sure to account for the both the positive and negative counterparts.