Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number z is the distance of z from zero. The absolute value of z is denoted $\left\vert\vphantom{ z}\right.$z$\left.\vphantom{ z}\right\vert$.

$\blacktriangleright$ To put vertical bars around an expression

1.
Select the expression.

2.
Click itbpF0.3009in0.3009in0.0701infences.wmf.

3.
Choose the vertical bar.

4.
Choose OK.

$\blacktriangleright$ To find an absolute value

1.
Place the insertion point in an expression enclosed between vertical bars.

2.
Choose Evaluate.

$\blacktriangleright$ Evaluate

$\left\vert\vphantom{ -7}\right.$ -7$\left.\vphantom{ -7}\right\vert$ =  7 4pt

 4pt$\left\vert\vphantom{ -11.3}\right.$ -11.3$\left.\vphantom{ -11.3}\right\vert$ =  11.3

$\left\vert\vphantom{ 43}\right.$43$\left.\vphantom{ 43}\right\vert$ =  43 4pt

 4pt$\left\vert\vphantom{ 21-13}\right.$21 - 13$\left.\vphantom{ 21-13}\right\vert$ = 8