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