explain the difference in the meaning between |-3| and -3
|-3| refers to the absolute value of -3, which is the distance of -3 from 0 on a number line. Absolute value always gives a positive value, so |-3| would be 3.
-3, on the other hand, simply refers to the negative integer -3.
The difference between |-3| and -3 lies in their mathematical meanings.
|-3| represents the absolute value of -3. The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. In this case, the absolute value of -3 is 3 because it is 3 units away from zero.
On the other hand, -3 is a negative number. It is a value that is less than zero. When dealing with negative numbers, it indicates a direction opposite to positive numbers.
So, to summarize, |-3| gives you the positive value of -3, which is 3, while -3 represents a negative number itself.