What Does Absolute Value Mean In the Real World?

Note:

You may know how to calculate the absolute value of a number, but what are you really finding? This tutorial uses a real world example to help you gain a better understanding of absolute value.

Keywords:

meaning
absolute
value
real world
distance

Background Tutorials

Working with Integers
- How Do You Compare Integers Using a Number Line?
  
  Trying to figure out if a negative number is larger than another can be a little tricky. To make things easier, you could use a number line! This tutorial shows you how to use a number line to compare two negative numbers and determine which is larger.
- What are Positive and Negative Numbers?
  
  Positive and negative numbers (and zero!) are the building blocks of math. This tutorial will introduce you to positive and negative numbers and show you their location on a number line. Plus, learn a special thing about the number zero!
- What is the Number Line?
  
  A number line is a way we can visually represent numbers. This tutorial gives you a great introduction to the number line and shows you how to graph numbers on the number line in order to compare them. Check it out!
Absolute Value
- How Do You Find the Absolute Value of Positive and Negative Numbers?
  
  Finding the absolute value of a number is a breeze when you use a number line! Remember, absolute value is the distance from zero on the number line. This tutorial shows you how to use a number line to find absolute value.
- What Does Absolute Value Mean?
  
  In this tutorial you'll see how you can think of absolute value in a very intuitive way. Let us know if you have any questions about it!