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    Absolute Value: Definition, Equation and Properties with Examples

    Absolute Value: Definition, Equation and Properties with Examples

    Team Careers360Updated on 02 Jul 2025, 05:15 PM IST

    The separation of a number from a number line's origin is referred to as a number's absolute value. It is denoted by the symbol |a|, which specifies the size of any integer 'a'. Any integer's absolute value, regardless of its sign or whether it is positive or negative, will be a non-negative real number. To write the modulus of a, two vertical lines |a| are used to symbolize it.

    This Story also Contains

    1. What Is A Number's Absolute Value?
    2. Symbol For Absolute Value
    3. Absolute Value in Equations or Inequalities.
    4. Examples For Absolute Value Of A Number
    5. Absolute Value Function
    6. Properties
    Absolute Value: Definition, Equation and Properties with Examples
    Absolute Value: Definition, Equation and Properties with Examples

    What Is A Number's Absolute Value?

    The absolute value of an integer or number is how far it is from zero on a number line. Because of this, the absolute value is always positive or zero and never negative. The following definition applies to the absolute values:

    |a| = ( a if a ≥ 0 )

    ( -a if a < 0 )

    Only positive numbers will be generated if the number is positive. Additionally, the number's modulus will also be negative if it is negative. It is represented by the symbol |n|, where n is an integer.

    Symbol For Absolute Value

    The absolute value sign is represented by the modulus symbol "| |" and the numbers inside the symbol. For example |9| is used to represent the absolute value of nine.

    Any number's absolute value is determined by how far it is from the line's origin. Additionally, it indicates whether a number is positive or negative and its polarity. It can never be negative since it represents distance, which cannot be negative. It is therefore always positive.

    ‘| |’ – Absolute value symbols, ‘| | pipes’ are used to represent the absolute values.

    The number "a'' is the one whose absolute value needs to be determined, for example: "|a|".

    Absolute Value in Equations or Inequalities.

    The symbol |a| is used to signify a number's absolute value. On a number line, this value or number signifies the separation (absolute difference) between a and 0. An absolute value equation is one that contains an absolute value expression. Absolute value inequalities come in two different varieties. One with |a| < b or less, and the other with |a|> b or more.

    Examples For Absolute Value Of A Number

    Let's look at a few illustrations of the absolute value of numbers.

    |-1| = 1

    |-14| = 14

    |1| = 1

    |0| = 0

    |7| = 7

    Absolute Value Function

    If f(x) = |x|, the absolute value function is defined as follows:

    f(x) = +x if x > 0,

    And, f(x) = -x if x < 0

    Properties

    If x and y are real numbers, and the absolute values meet the criteria listed below:

    Property

    Expression

    Non-negativity

    | x |≥ 0.

    Positive-definiteness

    |x| = 0 => x = 0.

    Multiplicatively

    | x × y| = |x| × |y|.

    Subadditivity

    |x + y| ≤ |x| + y|.

    Symmetry

    |-x| =|x|

    Identity of indiscernible (equivalent to positive definiteness)

    |x – y| = 0 ↔ x = y

    Triangle inequality

    |x – y| ≤ | x – z | + |z – x|

    Preservation of division (equivalent to multiplicatively)

    |x / y| = | x | / | y|

    Equivalent to subadditivity

    |x – y| ≥| | x |–| y | |

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Can absolute value of an integer be Negative?
    A:

    Any integer's absolute value is always positive and never negative.

    Q: What is -7 in absolute terms?
    A:

    The absolute value of -7 is 7. Its sign is |-7|, which equals 7.

    Q: What is -12 in absolute terms?
    A:

     In absolute terms, -12 equals 12. Given that there are 12 spaces between -12 and 0 on a number line.

    Q: What is the absolute value symbol?
    A:

    Absolute value is denoted by the symbol |x|, where x is an integer.

    Q: What does 4 mean in absolute terms?
    A:

    |4| = 4 is the absolute value of four.

    Q: What is a number's absolute value?
    A:

    The distance a number is from zero on a number line is represented by its absolute value.

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