Absolute Value Calculator

How to use the |x| absolute value function

Overview

Absolute value represents the distance of a number from zero. Whether the number is positive or negative, its absolute value is always non-negative.

  • The absolute value of a positive number is itself
  • The absolute value of a negative number is its opposite
  • The absolute value of zero is zero

Mathematical notation: |x| = x (when x ≥ 0), |x| = -x (when x < 0)

Syntax

abs(value) // Calculate absolute value

Examples

Example 1: Absolute value of a positive number
Input: abs(5)
Result: 5
Absolute value of a positive number is itself
Example 2: Absolute value of a negative number
Input: abs(-8)
Result: 8
Absolute value of a negative number is its opposite
Example 3: Absolute value of zero
Input: abs(0)
Result: 0
Example 4: Absolute value of an expression
Input: abs(3 - 10)
Result: 7
First calculate 3 - 10 = -7, then take absolute value to get 7
Example 5: Combined calculation
Input: abs(-5) + abs(3)
Result: 8
Example 6: Absolute value of a decimal
Input: abs(-3.14)
Result: 3.14

Applications

  • Distance calculation: Calculate distance between two points
  • Error analysis: Calculate absolute error
  • Physics: Calculate speed magnitude
  • Inequalities: Solve absolute value inequalities

Important Notes

  1. Absolute value function always returns a non-negative number
  2. abs(x) = abs(-x)
  3. For complex numbers, abs() returns the modulus

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