what is the difference between |-3| and -3.

1 answer

|n| is just the distance from n to zero. n can be to the left of 0 or to the right of 0.

|-3| = 3

because -3 is 3 units away from zero.

-3 is to the left of 0, +3 is to the right, but in either case.

|-3| = |+3| = 3

Get out your number line and try plotting some points. And google absolute value, while you're at it. You will get lots of examples and pictures.