Quick answer
Absolute value tells you how far a number is from zero on the number line. Distance cannot be negative.
Read the bars
The notation |x| means the absolute value of x. So |-7| = 7 and |7| = 7.
Remember zero
|0| = 0. Zero is exactly zero units from itself.
Use it when adding integers
For opposite-sign addition, compare absolute values to decide which sign the answer keeps. In -10 + 3, 10 is larger than 3, so the answer is negative.
Worked examples
|-12| = 12|4| = 4|-3| + |2| = 5
Common mistake to avoid
Absolute value is not always the same as removing minus signs from an entire expression: -|5| equals -5.
Practice questions
Try these without looking at the answers first. Explain your reasoning aloud or write each step.
- Question:
|-15|— Answer:15 - Question:
-|8|— Answer:-8 - Question:
|-4| + |-6|— Answer:10
What to learn next
Review the related lessons linked below, then practice independently. If you make an error, write down which rule you used and why it did not apply.