Question

The absolute value of an integer is the DISTANCE the number is from zero on a number line. (# of steps from zero) The absolute value of any number is ALWAYS POSITIVE. Record the absolute value for each integer.

a) Distance from -1
b) Distance from zero
c) Distance from 1
d) Distance from infinity

Answer 1

The absolute value of -1, 0, and 1 are 1, 0, and 1 respectively, which represent their distances from zero on the number line. The concept of absolute value does not apply to infinity, as it is not a specific number.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of absolute value is a fundamental topic in mathematics, particularly when dealing with integers and their distance from zero on a number line. The absolute value of a number is always a non-negative number, as it represents the distance regardless of direction. Let's look at the specifics of the student's question:

• a) The distance from -1: The absolute value of -1 is 1, as it is 1 step away from zero on the number line.
• b) The distance from zero: The absolute value of 0 is 0, since it's already at the reference point, zero distance from itself.
• c) The distance from 1: The absolute value of 1 is also 1 because it is 1 step away from zero.
• d) The distance from infinity cannot be measured in a conventional sense because infinity is not a specific number, but rather a concept representing an unbounded quantity. Thus, the absolute value in a practical sense does not apply to infinity.