Pre-Algebra : Operations

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Pre-Algebra

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Example Questions

Example Question #361 : Operations

Fill in the blank using .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The term  displays an absolute value.  Absolute value is defined as the distance of a number in relation to zero on a number line.  Since it is a distance, an absolute value cannot be negative.  So,

So, we can rewrite the orignal problem as

and we can easily see that

Example Question #362 : Operations

Compare the following using 

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The absolute value of a number is the distance that number is from zero on a number.  Because it is a distance, the absolute value can never be negative.  So,

can be written as

Therefore, it's easy to solve.

Example Question #363 : Operations

Simplify the following expression:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Simplify the following expression:

Let's begin by focusing on the inside of the absolute value signs:

However, because we are within the absolute value signs, we need to change the negative sign to a positive one.

Anytime you have something within the absolute value sign, you need to make it positive.

Our answer is 6.

Example Question #362 : Operations

Simplify the following:

Possible Answers:

None of the above

Correct answer:

Explanation:

It is important to be careful of where the negative sign is when simplifying.

When simplifying you should end up with:

  which equals  

Example Question #363 : Operations

Solve for x in the following equation:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The absolute value is defined as the distance that number is from zero on the number line.  Because it is a distance, the absolute value cannot be negative. So, in the equation

we look at the absolute value.

because -9 is 9 units from zero.  Now, we can solve for x.

Example Question #366 : Operations

Compare the following using 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Absolute values are defined as the distance the number is from zero on a number line.  Because it is a distance, the absolute value cannot be negative.  So,

because -9 is 9 units from zero on a number line.  So,

can easily be solved as

Example Question #364 : Operations

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The symbol | | around each real number signifies absolute value. Absolute value is the true magnitude of a real number, without looking at the positive or negative sign attached to it. To rewrite this problem when solving, remove all absolute value symbols as well as signs.

Example Question #368 : Operations

Solve the following:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The absolute value of a number is defined as the position or distance of the number from zero on the number.  Because it is a distance, the value cannot be negative.  So,

and

so

Example Question #365 : Operations

If  , what is the value of    ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Substitute 5 for  in the given equation and evaluate.

Remember that the absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on a number line. Distance is always positive; therefore, you can rewrite the expression.

Subtracting a positive number from a negative number is the same as adding a negative number. 

Solve.

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