Chapter 1
Linear Equations and Graphing
Course: Gre
Subject: Gre Quantitative Reasoning
Chapter: Linear Equations And Graphing
What is Absolute Value?
The absolute value of a number is the distance of that number from 0 on the number line. We write absolute value using vertical bars: |x|
Key Points About Absolute Value:
- Distance is always positive or zero
- Therefore, absolute value is always positive or zero (never negative)
- Absolute value makes negative numbers positive
- Positive numbers stay positive when you take their absolute value
Examples:
- |−5| = 5 (because −5 is 5 spaces from 0)
- |5| = 5 (because 5 is 5 spaces from 0)
- |0| = 0 (because 0 is 0 spaces from 0)
- |−7| = 7
- |3.5| = 3.5
Understanding Absolute Value Equations
An absolute value equation is an equation that contains an absolute value expression. These equations often have one variable (like x) and can have: