Absolute Value Calculator

What is Absolute Value?

The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero on a number line. Since distance is always non-negative, the absolute value is always a non-negative number. Whether the input is positive, negative, or zero, the absolute value simplifies the way numbers are represented and used in calculations.

How to Calculate Absolute Value

If the input number is \( x \), its absolute value is defined as: \( |x| = \begin{cases} x, & x \geq 0 \\ -x, & x < 0 \end{cases} \) Explanation:

• If \( x \) is positive or zero, the absolute value is \( x \) itself.
• If \( x \) is negative, the absolute value is the opposite of \( x \), essentially removing the negative sign.

Examples

Example 1: Find the absolute value of 5

Example 2: Calculate the absolute value of -8

Example 3: Calculate the absolute value of 0