Magnitude Math Example 3

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

Example 3

easy
Evaluate ∣3−8∣|3 - 8|.

Solution

  1. 1
    Compute inside first: 3−8=−53 - 8 = -5.
  2. 2
    Take the absolute value: ∣−5∣=5|-5| = 5.

Answer

55
When absolute value is applied to an expression, evaluate the expression first, then take the absolute value of the result. This gives the distance between 3 and 8 on the number line.

About Magnitude

Magnitude measures the size or length of a quantity — for a vector (a, b), it is sqrt(a^2 + b^2). For a single number, magnitude is its absolute value: how far it is from zero, ignoring sign or direction.

Learn more about Magnitude →

More Magnitude Examples

Example 1 easy

Find the magnitude (absolute value) of each: [formula], [formula], [formula].

Example 2 medium

Which has greater magnitude: [formula] or [formula]? Then determine which is greater as a signed num

Example 4 medium

Solve [formula]. How many solutions are there?

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