Absolute values: a quick refresher

Absolute values are represented by vertical bars, like bookends. | |

|absolute value|

|3| means “the absolute value of 3”. Absolute value measures the distance from zero.

|3| equals 3. Looking at the number line below, it is three hops from 3 to 0:

|-3| also equals 3. What? Remember, absolute value measures the distance from zero. Looking at the number line below, -3 is also only three hops from 0. We don’t care about the direction of the hops!

If this is blowing your mind, think of it this way. My favorite fast-food restaurant is Wendy’s (don’t judge). If Wendy’s was at the “zero” point, it doesn’t matter to me if I am 3 miles east of Wendy’s or 3 miles west of Wendy’s. Either way, I have to travel 3 miles to get a delicious chocolate frosty. (And I will - I am absolutely certain I want one!)