Question

Please give the difference of the absolute values of -38 and 17, in this order.

Answer 1

21

Explanation:

Please give the difference of the absolute values of -38 and 17, in this order.

Absolute value means the number will be positive (even if there is a negative sign.) Absolute is indicated by vertical bars on either side.

so the question is asking for:

I-38I - I17I

this equals:

38 - 17 = 21

Answer 2

Absolute value means distance from 0 and so -38 becomes 38 and 17 is still 17, 38-17 is 21