Chapter 1
Linear Equations and Graphing
Course: Gre
Subject: Gre Quantitative Reasoning
Chapter: Linear Equations And Graphing
What is Absolute Value?
Absolute value is the distance between any point on a number line and zero. Since distance is always positive or zero, absolute value is always nonnegative (greater than or equal to zero).
Examples:
- |−5| = 5 and |5| = 5
- |−13| = 13 and |13| = 13
- |0| = 0
The value inside the absolute value symbols can be positive or negative, but the result is always positive or zero.
General Rule:
For any real number x:
- |x| ≥ 0
- If |x| = k, then x = k OR x = −k (where k > 0)
Rules for Working with Absolute Value
Rule 1: Absolute Value Symbols Are Grouping Symbols
Like parentheses, absolute value bars indicate that operations inside must be performed first (if possible).