Determine the absolute value of an integer

The absolute value of an integer is its distance from zero on the number line, so it is always nonnegative: a nonnegative integer has the same absolute value, while a negative integer has the absolute value of its opposite, and opposites share the same absolute value. This distinguishes magnitude from direction and is limited here to numerical integers, not absolute values of variables or expressions.

Detailed Explanation: Determine the absolute value of an integer

The absolute value of an integer is its distance from $0$ on a number line. Distance is never negative, so an absolute value is always nonnegative.

If the integer is positive or $0$ , its absolute value stays the same.
If the integer is negative, its absolute value is the positive number with the same distance from $0$ .

Example: Find $\vert -8 \vert$ .

Locate $-8$ on a number line.
Count the distance from $-8$ to $0$ . The distance is $8$ units.
Since distance is positive, write:

\vert -8 \vert =8

So, the absolute value of $-8$ is $\boxed{8}$ .

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Absolute Value - Single Value in Expression to Answer

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Determine the absolute value of an integer

Detailed Explanation: Determine the absolute value of an integer

Learn by doing: Determine the absolute value of an integer

Practice with unlimited practice problems

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Absolute Value - Single Value in Expression to Answer