what is the difference between |-3| and -3.

The expression |-3| is the absolute value of -3, whereas -3 is a negative number. To understand the difference between the two, let me explain how to find the absolute value of a number and how negative numbers work.

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. To find the absolute value, you simply discard the negative sign (if any) and consider the positive value of the number. In other words, |-3| = 3. This is because both 3 and -3 are three units away from zero on the number line.

On the other hand, -3 is a negative number with a minus sign (-) in front of it. Negative numbers are less than zero and are usually written with a minus sign to indicate their negativity. In this case, -3 means a value that is three units to the left of zero on the number line.

So, to summarize:
|-3| = 3 (absolute value of -3)
-3 (negative three) = a negative number, specifically three units to the left of zero on the number line.

|n| is just the distance from n to zero. n can be to the left of 0 or to the right of 0.

|-3| = 3

because -3 is 3 units away from zero.

-3 is to the left of 0, +3 is to the right, but in either case.

|-3| = |+3| = 3

Get out your number line and try plotting some points. And google absolute value, while you're at it. You will get lots of examples and pictures.