Evaluate the absolute value of .

The absolute value of a number is the distance that number is from zero on the number line, regardless of its direction. So, for the number , its absolute value is simply . In mathematical terms, we write this as . It’s like putting on a pair of glasses that only sees the positive side of things!

It’s important to remember that the absolute value function transforms any negative number into its positive counterpart. This means that whether you’re working with whole numbers, fractions, or even negative decimals, the absolute value will always give you a positive result or zero – zero being the complete absence of distance!