Question

What is the value of the expression |a + b| + |c| when a = –5, b = 8, and c = –13?

A.
–26

B.
0

C.
16

D.
–10

Answer 1

@mathmate

Answer 2

i had thought a but im not to sure

Answer 3

hints:
Step 1:
substitute all the values of a, b and c into the expression.
Step 2:
Evaluate the expression within the | | (absolute value symbols).
Step 3:
Evaluate the absolute value functions, i.e. remove the | | symbols appropriately
Step 4:
Evaluate the resulting expression, that's your answer.

Answer 4

would the -5 turn into a postive or not

Answer 5

For example, if a=4, b=6, c=-2
|a-b|+|c| =|4-6|+|-2|=|-2|+|-2|=2+2 = 4

Answer 6

-5 does not turn into positive by itself. You need to complete step 2 first, i.e. reduce the a+b into a single value. Values turn positive only when there is a single number inside the | | symbols. See example above.

Answer 7

so then the answer is 16

Answer 8

can you show your work so we can see how you worked it out?

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

-5+8=3
13+3=16

Answer 11

is c= 13 or -13?

Answer 12

The expression is: |a + b| + |c|

Change the values of a, b and c, the values they represent, in the case:
a = –5, b = 8, and c = –13

That's:
|-5 + 8| + |-13|

The module (| x |) means that no matter the signal that the calculation result, it will always be positive. So:
|-5 + 8| + |-13|
|3| + |-13|
3 + 13 = 16

C = 16

Answer 13

Sorry, c is -13, so 3+|c|=16, is correct.

Answer 14

thx