Explain the difference in meaning between -3 and [-3] Please help
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Certainly! The difference in meaning between -3 and [-3] lies in the mathematical notation used.
-3 represents a negative integer or a number less than zero. It indicates the specific value of -3 on the number line.
On the other hand, [-3] is typically used to denote the absolute value of -3. The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of its sign. Since the distance from -3 to 0 is 3 units, the absolute value of -3 is 3. Therefore, [-3] would be equal to 3.
To clarify the difference:
-3 represents the specific value of negative three.
[-3] represents the absolute value of negative three, which is positive three.