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GeoGebraGeoGebra Classroom

Absolute Value

Absolute value is a number's distance from zero. For example, the absolute value of 3 is 3. Easy right? Well what about -3...it's still only 3 away from zero, just in a different direction. This means the absolute value of -3 is 3. Instead of having to always write out "absolute value of -3 is 3," you can write = 3. Those little bars represent absolute value. Drag the purple point below to change the value of it and read the absolute value of a number. Once you understand the concept, answer the questions below.

1. Is there a value of a that creates a negative absolute value? -If yes, which number(s)? -If no, why not?

2. How are absolute value and distance from 0 related?

3. Give an example of two different numbers that have the same absolute value. Explain why they have the same absolute value.

4. Challenge! What is ?

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