Chapter 3: Problem 379
In the following exercises, evaluate. $$ |x| \text { when } x=-14 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
|-14| = 14
Step by step solution
01
Understand Absolute Value
Absolute value represents the distance of a number from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. It is always non-negative.
02
Apply the Absolute Value Definition
The absolute value of a number is the number itself if it is positive or zero, and the opposite of the number if it is negative. So for any number x, \(|x| = x \text{ if } x \geq 0\) and \(|x| = -x \text{ if } x < 0\).
03
Evaluate the Given Expression
In this exercise, x is given as -14. Since -14 is less than 0, use the definition for negative numbers: \(|x| = -(-14)\).
04
Simplify the Expression
Simplify the expression: \(-(-14) = 14\).
05
Write the Final Answer
The absolute value of -14 is 14.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Absolute Value Definition
Absolute value is a fundamental concept in prealgebra. It measures how far a number is from zero on the number line. Think of it as the 'distance' from zero, without considering which direction you are moving.
For example:
This concept is very useful when comparing distances or solving equations, as it simplifies working with negative numbers. Remember:
For example:
- The absolute value of 3 is 3, because 3 is three units away from zero.
- The absolute value of -7 is 7, because -7 is seven units away from zero.
This concept is very useful when comparing distances or solving equations, as it simplifies working with negative numbers. Remember:
- If x is positive or zero, \(|x| = x\).
- If x is negative, \(|x| = -x\).
Negative Numbers
Negative numbers are values less than zero. They are often represented with a minus sign (-) in front. For example, -4, -10, and -50 are all negative numbers.
In many real-life situations, negative numbers represent loss or decrease. For example:
In many real-life situations, negative numbers represent loss or decrease. For example:
- An elevation of -20 meters is 20 meters below sea level.
- A temperature of -5 degrees means it's five degrees below zero.
- The absolute value of -14 is \(|-14| = -(-14) = 14\).
Evaluating Expressions
When evaluating an expression with absolute value, follow these key steps:
1. Identify that -14 is a negative number.
2. Apply the absolute value definition for negative numbers: \(|x| = -x\).
3. Substitute -14 into the expression: \(|-14| = -(-14)\).
4. Simplify by removing the double negative: \(-(-14) = 14\).
5. Conclude that the absolute value of -14 is 14.
Remember, these steps help you work through an absolute value expression methodically. Practice more problems to solidify your understanding and always check your results!
- Identify if the number is positive, negative, or zero.
- Apply the definition of absolute value.
- Simplify the expression.
- State the final answer.
1. Identify that -14 is a negative number.
2. Apply the absolute value definition for negative numbers: \(|x| = -x\).
3. Substitute -14 into the expression: \(|-14| = -(-14)\).
4. Simplify by removing the double negative: \(-(-14) = 14\).
5. Conclude that the absolute value of -14 is 14.
Remember, these steps help you work through an absolute value expression methodically. Practice more problems to solidify your understanding and always check your results!