EMS - Pre-Algebra

Absolute Value is the distance from zero on a number line.  For example...

 

the absolute value of 6 is 6 because it is 6 spaces from zero on a number line.

the absolute value of -2 is 2 because -2 is two spaces from zero on a number line.

 

So, if absolute value is a distance...

An absolute value is NEVER negative.

 

Eureka to Washington is about 8 miles.

We wouldn't say Washington to Eureka is -8 miles.  That wouldn't make sense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Those lines around the -5 mean absolute value.)

 

Opposites are numbers that are on the opposite sides of zero on the number line.  Fo example, 3 and -3 are opposites.  The opposite of 6 is -6.  The opposite of -24 is 24.