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Absolute value

from class:

Algebra and Trigonometry

Definition

Absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. It is always a non-negative number.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The absolute value of a number $x$ is denoted as $|x|$.
  2. $|x| = x$ if $x \geq 0$, and $|x| = -x$ if $x < 0$.
  3. Absolute value functions are V-shaped when graphed in a coordinate plane.
  4. The domain of the absolute value function $f(x) = |x|$ is all real numbers, and the range is all non-negative real numbers ($[0, \infty)$).
  5. Equations involving absolute values can have two solutions, corresponding to both positive and negative scenarios.

Review Questions

  • What is the absolute value of -7?
  • What does the graph of an absolute value function look like?
  • If $f(x) = |x+3|$, what are the domain and range of this function?
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