Chapter 1: Problem 75
Evaluate each expression. See Example \(9 .\) $$ -2|4-8| $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of the expression is \(-8\).
Step by step solution
01
Evaluate the expression inside the absolute value
The expression inside the absolute value is \(4 - 8\). Subtract \(8\) from \(4\) to get \(-4\).
02
Apply the absolute value
The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. The absolute value of \(-4\) is \(4\), so \(|4-8| = 4\).
03
Multiply by -2
Now multiply the result from Step 2 by \(-2\): \(-2 \times 4 = -8\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Absolute Value
The concept of absolute value revolves around the distance of a number from zero on a number line, leaving aside any directional aspects. For any given number, regardless of whether it is positive or negative, the absolute value is always non-negative. This makes absolute value a crucial concept in mathematics, especially when dealing with expressions and equations.
- The absolute value symbol is represented by vertical bars, such as \( |x| \).
- For any positive number \(x\), the absolute value is simply \(x\): \( |x| = x \).
- For any negative number \(-x\), the absolute value is \(x\): \( |-x| = x \).
Mastering Integer Operations
Integer operations are foundational in evaluating expressions, particularly when you're required to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division with whole numbers.
- Addition & Subtraction: When you add or subtract integers, you follow the sign rules. Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting the corresponding positive, and vice versa.
- Multiplication & Division: The product or quotient of two integers will be positive if the numbers have the same sign, and negative if they have different signs.
Step-by-Step Solutions for Expression Evaluation
A systematic approach, or step-by-step solution, is crucial for solving mathematical problems correctly and efficiently. Let's break down the approach for evaluating expressions involving absolute value and integers.
- Step 1: Simplify inside expressions first. If the expression involves combinations of operations, handle the operations inside absolute value bars first, as was done with \( 4 - 8 = -4 \).
- Step 2: Apply absolute value. Calculate the absolute value of your result from Step 1, as absolute value cannot be negative. So \( |-4| = 4 \).
- Step 3: Consider multiplication or further operations. When the result from the absolute value operation is achieved, apply any further operations outside the absolute value bars, such as multiplying by \( -2 \), resulting in \( -8 \).