The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. So, when you see , it simply means that you’re looking for how far -13 is from zero. In this case, since both -13 and 13 are an equal distance of 13 units from zero, the answer is .

Think of it this way: if you were to walk backwards 13 steps from zero on a number line, you’d end up at -13. However, if you measured your walk, it would just be 13 steps forward to reach the same spot in the opposite direction—hence the absolute value!