Absolute ValueA PowerPoint for Ms Purcell’s 6th grade.

MCC6.NS7.c: Understand the absolute value of a rational number as its distance from 0 on the number line; interpret absolute value as magnitude for a positive or negative quantity in a real world situation. (For an account balance of -30 dollars, write /-30/= 30 to describe the size of the debt in dollars.) MCC6.NS7.d: Distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order. (Recognize that an account balance less than -30 dollars represents a debt greater than 30 dollars.)

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line.

Absolute value is always positive or zero. This is because absolute value tells us the distance from zero—not the direction.

We use the symbols / / to indicate absolute value.

Example: /-5/ = 5 /-3 ½/ = 3 ½ /2/ = 2

Example: /-4/ = 4The integers 4 and -4 are opposites. You can see they are both the same distance from zero on the number line. Therefore the /-4/ and /4/ are both 4.

Remember: Absolute value is DISTANCE, not direction.