Asked by Cecilia

I had a quiz in math.

The problem is:
|4.3+(-7.2)|

I got the answer 11.5 and my teachr marked it wrong. When she gave us a chance to fix the errors for half credit, I tried it again. But I KEEP getting the same answer. What am I doing wrong?
Answered by bobpursley
abs( 4.3+(-7.2))
abs(4.3-7.2)
abs(-2.9)
2.9
Answered by muffy
You have to solve the absolute value first, then change the sign to the opposite.

So, it is 4.3 + -7.2 = -2.9
Then take the absolute value of -2.9

which is 2.9


Answered by bobpursley
good work, Muffy.
Answered by Cecilia
Oh!! You don't do the absolute value part until the end!! I get it now! I was changing it at the beginning!! THank you soo much!
Answered by Cecilia
Like.... You solve it and then change it to the opposite. It's hard to explain now, but Igot it! Thank you guys so much! You're life savers!
Answered by muffy
Thanks, getting something right gives me great confidence!
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