Expert: Abe Mantell - 7/5/2008

Question
I don't know how to make an absolute sign, so instead I'll use this:  /  OK?

I don't know anything about absolute numbers.  I have to take a state algebra competency test in order to pursue a degree at the college I'm attending, so I've taken an on-line algebra course that I have an A in;   however, it hasn't offered any material on absolute numbers in spite of the fact that there are questions regarding absolutes on the state test.  Here's a question on an on-line practice test for the state exam:

/8+(-13)/+6/

What I have learned is that usually positive and negative signs within the bars don't matter, only those in between bars.  That little bit of knowledge worked for me on the first practice test, but on the second one they through this parenthesis in.  I guessed wrong.  The answer is 11 so my assumption is that if the number is in parentheses the sign counts.  That would get 11.  Anything else I need to know?  Thanks for your help.  Kay C

Answer
Hello Kay,

You can use "| |" (i.e. the vertical bar for absolute value).
It seems to me the problem you pose: |8+(-13)|+6| is missing
something.  The absolute value operator appears in pairs, and you
only have 3 of them!  

Anyhow, |8+(-13)|=|-5|=5...the absolute value simply gives the
distance a number is from 0...so |3|=3 and |-3|=3.

I hope this helps.

Abe