Absolute Value Notation - Secondary 1, 2 and 3

The absolute value of a number is its numerical value when its sign is not considered.

1. The absolute value of |125| is |125.|

2. The absolute value of |-18| is |18.|

3. The absolute value of |-\dfrac{3}{5}| is |\dfrac{3}{5}.|

4. The absolute value of |-10.8| is |10.8.|

The absolute value of a number is always positive.

• If a number is positive, its absolute value is equal to the number itself.

• If a number is negative, its absolute value is equal to its opposite.

Is the absolute value of |-5+3| equal to the sum of the absolute values of |-5| and |3|?

Find the opposite of the absolute value of | -2.5| and the absolute value of the opposite of |-2.5.|

If we determine the absolute value of numbers before performing a mathematical operation, we do not necessarily obtain the same result as if we determine it after the operation. The absolute value of the sum of 2 numbers is not always equal to the sum of the absolute value of the 2 numbers. It is the same for subtraction and this relates to other concepts such as opposite numbers.

It is therefore necessary to respect the order of operations when working with absolute values. These have the same priority as brackets.