Absolute Value
Common Core Standard: Understand the absolute value of a rational number as its distance from 0 on the number line;
interpret absolute value as magnitude for a positive or negative quantity in a real-world situation.
Common Core Standard: Distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order.
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Absolute value – is the distance from zero a number is on a number line
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Example: Determine the absolute value of the following numbers
a) 6
b) $100
c) -40
d) 0
e) -2
f)
10oF
o
The absolute value of 6 is 6
o
The absolute value of $100 is $100
o
The absolute value of -40 is 40
o
The absolute value of 0 is 0
o
The absolute value of -2 is 2
o
The absolute value of 10oF is 10oF
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The notation for absolute value is |

How will you use this?
o
|
When you have a debt, the money can be represented as a negative; however, since there is no such thing
as a negative amount of money, it is more common to determine the absolute value of the money
o
It is also used in various mathematical and scientific formulas (some we will learn this year and some will be
learned in future math and science courses)

Real World Example: John gets a loan for $350 for Christmas presents. A month later he owes an additional $35 of
interest. How much does he owe totally?
o
John owes both -$350 and -$35, so together means to add

-$350 + -$35 = -$385

Since money cannot be negative, determine the absolute value of -$385

|
| = $385, so John owes $385