Question

What is the first step in evaluating an absolute value expression?

Answer 1

See below.

Explanation:

• Absolute value is the distance from zero on the number line to a number.
• It is always positive because is showing the distance.

As per definition:

• |a| = a, if a is a positive number or zero,

and

• |a| = -a if a is a negative number. Negative sign is to change the number to positive since it is negative.

So when we evaluate an expression with absolute value the first step is to simplify what is within absolute value symbols.

The next step to get the quantity of it and if positive number just cancel absolute value symbols or replace it with parenthesis; if negative, then cancel absolute value symbols, replace it with parenthesis and add negative sign.