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Definition
The absolute value of a number x is its distance from zero on a number line. It always returns a non-negative value.
Analogy
Imagine you're standing at point zero on a number line and your friend is standing at point x. The absolute value represents how far apart you are from each other, regardless of whether your friend is to your left or right.
Related terms
Inequality: An inequality compares two values using symbols such as < (less than), > (greater than), ≤ (less than or equal to), or ≥ (greater than or equal to). Absolute values are often used in inequalities.
Distance Formula: The distance formula calculates the distance between two points in coordinate space. It involves taking differences and absolute values.
Piecewise Function: A piecewise function defines different rules for different parts of its domain. Absolute values are commonly used in defining piecewise functions.
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