Lesson 1

Absolute Value of a
Number
 Learn about It!

Absolute Value
1 the distance of a number from zero; usually denoted by the symbol , where is any
positive or negative number
 

Example:
 Try It!

Example 1: What is ?
 Try It!

Example 1: What is ?

Solution: The integer is eight units away from zero.

Thus, .
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Example 2: Which has a greater value, or ?

 Try It!

Example 2: Which has a greater value, or ?

Solution: Even without the use of a number line, we can

identify that is ten units away from zero and is eight units
away from zero. That is,
 

 
Since is greater than , we can say that .
 Let’s Practice!

Individual Practice:

1. Compare the two integers using the symbols, , , or

2. Order the values from least to greatest.