What is the difference between |-3| and -3?
the absolute value operator , |...|, let's you consider only the magnitude or size of a number. Its value will always be a non-negative number.
You are basically ignoring the negative sign of a number.
e.g. |-3| = 3 and |3| = 3
One way to look at it is this:
How far from the origin on a number line am I?
so for |-9| you are simply 9 units away from the origin
while -9 is, you are 9 units to the LEFT of the origin
|-3| means the magnitude, or absolute distance on the number line. |-3| means + 3
Thanks Reiny and bobpursley
The difference between |-3| and -3 lies in their absolute values.
To understand the concept of absolute value, we need to understand that it represents the distance of a number from zero on the number line, regardless of its sign.
Now, let's break it down:
|-3|: This is the absolute value of -3. The vertical bars, also known as absolute value symbols, indicate that we are taking the positive value of -3. In this case, |-3| equals 3, as -3 is 3 units away from zero on the number line.
-3: This is a negative number without any absolute value symbols. Without any modifications, -3 simply represents the negative value itself.
So, to summarize:
|-3| = 3 (positive value)
-3 (negative value)