Question

What is the difference between |-3| and -3?

Answer 1

the absolute value operator , |...|, let's you consider only the magnitude or size of a number. Its value will always be a non-negative number.
You are basically ignoring the negative sign of a number.

e.g. |-3| = 3 and |3| = 3
One way to look at it is this:
How far from the origin on a number line am I?
so for |-9| you are simply 9 units away from the origin
while -9 is, you are 9 units to the LEFT of the origin

Answer 2

|-3| means the magnitude, or absolute distance on the number line. |-3| means + 3

Answer 3

Thanks Reiny and bobpursley