Pre-Algebra : Absolute Value

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Pre-Algebra

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Absolute Value

Solve for .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When taking absolute values, we need to consider both positive and negative values. So, we have two equations.  and  

For the left equation, we can subtract  on both sides to get 

For the right equation, we can subtract  on both sides to get 

Example Question #21 : Absolute Value

Evaluate:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, do . This gives us . The absolute value function takes that negative  and gives us back a positive .

Example Question #23 : Absolute Value

Evaluate the following expression:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The absolute value is the expression's distance from 0. The absolute value will give a positive number since distance cannot be a negative number.

Example Question #24 : Absolute Value

Which of the following answers contain a number or numbers with an absolute value of fifteen?

Possible Answers:

 and 

 and 

 and 

Correct answer:

 and 

Explanation:

We can think of the absolute value of a number as describing the distance of that number from zero on the number line. Both  and  are  numbers away from zero, but in opposite directions. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

Example Question #22 : Absolute Value

Simplify:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve this question, first evaluate the inside of the absolute value.  Afterward, square the inner term and apply the negative sign.

Example Question #23 : Absolute Value

Solve:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Simplify the value inside the absolute value first.

Any value inside the absolute value will be converted to a positive number.

Example Question #27 : Absolute Value

Simplify the absolute values:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Any quantity inside the absolute will result in a positive value.   Simplify the inside quantity of the absolute value first.

Reconvert the values contained by absolute values.

Example Question #28 : Absolute Value

Find the value of this equation.   

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When dealing with an absolute value question, remember that inside the absolute value lines the answer will be positive. If a negative sign is outside of the absolute value bars, you must take that to the answer or next step of the equation.

Example Question #24 : Absolute Value

Solve:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Evalute the absolute values first.  Any negative or positive value inside a absolute value will be converted to a positive number.

Example Question #25 : Absolute Value

Solve:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Evaluate the terms inside the absolute value first before simplifying.

The answer is:  

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