Numbers and algebra
Absolute value
The non-negative distance of a real number from zero on the number line.
Common notation|x|
In one sentence
What does Absolute value mean?
The non-negative distance of a real number from zero on the number line.
How it is written
|x|
A compact example
|−7| = 7 because −7 is seven units from zero.
Other names and search terms
modulus, magnitude of a number.
Where this fits
When should you learn Absolute value?
The first encounter is not the final level. Many ideas begin visually, become computational in high school and become formal in college.
- 1Pre-high schoolUsually introduced
- 2High schoolGreater depth
- 3CollegeGreater depth
- 4AdvancedGreater depth
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Basic arithmetic
- Equations
- Functions
- Precalculus
Algebra is part of the calculation language used throughout the path.
Open the Zero-to-QM pathClear answers
Questions about Absolute value
What does Absolute value mean in mathematics?
The non-negative distance of a real number from zero on the number line.
How is Absolute value written?
A common notation is |x|.
What is an example of Absolute value?
|−7| = 7 because −7 is seven units from zero.