For example:

If we were to look on a number line we would notice that +7 and -7 are both 7 units away from zero.  We will use two vertical segments to indicate absolute value.

  |7| = 7  The absolute value of 7 equals 7.

  |-7| = 7  The absolute value of -7 equals 7.

More examples:

  Simplify:  |6 - 9|

     Solution:  To find the absolute value of 6-9, we subtract 9 from 6, which is -3.  The we find the absolute value of -3 which is 3 (-3 is 3 units away from zero).

  Simplify:  |-7 + 10|

     Solution:  To find the absolute value of -7 + 9, we add -7 to 9, which is 2.  Then we find the absolute value of 2 which is 2 (2 is 2 units away from zero).

Remember, in order to find the absolute value of a number, just think of how many units it is away from zero.  What is its value?  The absolute value will always be a positive number.

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