When the number inside the absolute value (the "argument" of the absolute value) was positive anyway, we didn't change the sign when we took the absolute value. But when the argument was negative, we did change the sign; namely, we changed the "understood" "plus" into a "minus".

Would someone mind explaining to me what this means with an example?

Question

When the number inside the absolute value (the "argument" of the absolute value) was positive anyway, we didn't change the sign when we took the absolute value. But when the argument was negative, we did change the sign; namely, we changed the "understood" "plus" into a "minus".

Would someone mind explaining to me what this means with an example?

anonymous · Answer

absolute value is just distance from zero, and distance is always a positive number

anonymous · Answer

$$\color{green}{\text{hello math girl}}$$
$$\color{red}{\text{you nerd!}}$$

anonymous · Answer

hey how'd you make your letters all pretty colors?

anonymous · Answer

ps take's one to know one :P

anonymous · Answer

I am confused about this part: But when the argument was negative, we did change the sign; namely, we changed the "understood" "plus" into a "minus".

anonymous · Answer

can you draw it out?