Absolute Value

 To solve certain equations, understanding absolute value and how it can impact the answers is going to be vital. Students should learn how to use the absolute value for numbers, equations, and equations with variables.

Defining Absolute Value

The absolute value definition includes finding out how far away from zero the number is. This means the number is always positive. To find the absolute value of a number, simply make it a positive number. Using this in absolute value equations works a little differently, but the same principles apply. Basic absolute value examples include the absolute value of 5 or -5. In both of these, the answer is going to be 5. The absolute value of 0 is always 0.

Absolute Value on the Computer

At times, a student may need to find the absolute value of an equation or a number when they’re working on the computer. An absolute value calculator can help with this. The most common way to see absolute value written is as |-4|, but it can also be written as abs(-4). When finding the value for absolute value excel and many calculators use the abs() format.

Learning How to Solve Absolute Value Equations

Solving absolute value equations includes learning the order to solve the problem with. The equation inside the absolute value symbol is done first, then what’s outside of it. For example, |-4+2|, solve for -4+2, which is -2. Then, find the absolute value for -2. So, |-4+2|=2. Another example is -|-6+3|. Solve for -6+3 first, which is -3. Find the absolute value, which is 3. Then, add the negative sign to get -|-6+3|=-3. Filling out a few absolute value worksheets can help a student practice these.

Learning How to Solve Absolute Value with Variables

Students will need to learn how to solve for absolute value with variables, not just numbers. To do this, solve the equation by splitting it into two equations, solving both of these, and then using the answers in the first equation to find out which one(s) will be right. This can be used for solving absolute value equations on both sides or on just one side. If the equation is |x-3|=6, it can be split into x-3=6 and x-3= -6. Solving both of them, the answers are x= 9 and -3. These can both be plugged into |x-3|=6. For 9, this turns out to be |9-3|=6, or |6|=6, which means 6=6. For -3, this turns out as |-3-3|=6, then |-6|=6, and finally 6=6. Both of these will end with true statements, so the final answer is x=9 and -3.

Solving Absolute Value Equations

Students solving absolute value equations have a few options other than doing them like the examples above. It can be helpful to use an absolute value equation graph to solve and check the answers. For students, using a solving absolute value equations calculator can be beneficial to check their answers as they learn how to do these problems.

Solving for absolute value with numbers, equations, and variables involves understanding the order in which the problem is solved and realizing how the absolute value works. Take the time to do a solving absolute value equations worksheet today to practice this new skill and learn how to do it easily.