Absolute Value Math Example 4

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 4

medium
Evaluate ∣3−8∣+∣−2∣−∣5∣|3 - 8| + |{-2}| - |5|.

Solution

  1. 1
    Compute inside first absolute value: 3−8=−53 - 8 = -5, so ∣3−8∣=5|3 - 8| = 5.
  2. 2
    Second term: ∣−2∣=2|{-2}| = 2.
  3. 3
    Third term: ∣5∣=5|5| = 5.
  4. 4
    Combine: 5+2−5=25 + 2 - 5 = 2.

Answer

22
Evaluate each absolute value separately before combining. Remember that ∣a−b∣|a - b| gives the distance between aa and bb on the number line, so ∣3−8∣=5|3 - 8| = 5 because 3 and 8 are 5 units apart.

About Absolute Value

The distance of a number from zero on the number line, always non-negative; written ∣x∣|x|. For any real number, absolute value strips away the sign and returns only the magnitude.

Learn more about Absolute Value →

More Absolute Value Examples

Example 1 easy

Evaluate [formula].

Example 2 medium

Evaluate [formula].

Example 3 easy

Evaluate [formula].

← All Absolute Value Examples Absolute Value Concept