Chapter 3: Problem 504
In the following exercises, evaluate. $$ -|-y| \text { when } y=17 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
-17
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the Absolute Value
The absolute value of a number is the non-negative value of that number regardless of its sign. For any number, \( |y| \), it is always positive or zero.
02
- Substitute the Value
Substitute \( y = 17 \) into the expression \( -|-y| \). This gives \( -|-17| \).
03
- Compute the Inner Absolute Value
Compute the absolute value inside the expression. Here, \( |-17| = 17 \) because the absolute value of \( -17 \) is 17.
04
- Apply the Negative Sign
Now, take the negative of the result obtained from the absolute value. This means computing \( -17 \).
05
- Final Answer
Thus, \( -|-y| \) when \( y = 17 \) results in \( -17 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
absolute value
Absolute value is a fundamental concept in prealgebra. It represents the 'distance' of a number from zero on the number line, without considering direction. This means the absolute value of a number is always non-negative, regardless of whether the original number was positive or negative.
For instance, if we consider the number -17, its absolute value is written as \( |-17| \). This means looking at the distance of -17 from zero, which is 17 units. Hence, \( |-17| = 17 \). Similarly, \( |17| = 17 \) as well.
Recognizing this property helps in various calculations, particularly when evaluating expressions involving absolute values.
For instance, if we consider the number -17, its absolute value is written as \( |-17| \). This means looking at the distance of -17 from zero, which is 17 units. Hence, \( |-17| = 17 \). Similarly, \( |17| = 17 \) as well.
Recognizing this property helps in various calculations, particularly when evaluating expressions involving absolute values.
negative numbers
Negative numbers are those less than zero, represented with a minus sign (−). They appear frequently in various math problems and practical scenarios. When working with negative numbers and absolute values, it's crucial to distinguish between them.
For example, let's analyze \( -y \) where \( y = 17 \). Here, \( -y = -17 \). When taking the absolute value, you get \( |-17| \), which translates back to 17. However, notice when you put the negative sign after the absolute value, you reverse it back to \( -|-17| = -17 \).
This back and forth shows the importance of understanding the role of the negative sign and absolute value in different contexts.
For example, let's analyze \( -y \) where \( y = 17 \). Here, \( -y = -17 \). When taking the absolute value, you get \( |-17| \), which translates back to 17. However, notice when you put the negative sign after the absolute value, you reverse it back to \( -|-17| = -17 \).
This back and forth shows the importance of understanding the role of the negative sign and absolute value in different contexts.
evaluating expressions
Evaluating expressions involves simplifying them down to a single value by following mathematical rules. Let’s break it down using the example \( -|-y| \) when \( y = 17 \).
- Step 1: Understand that \( |-y| \) means you first take the absolute value of the negative number.
- Step 2: Replace \( y \) with 17 in the expression, so you have \( -|-17| \).
- Step 3: Compute the absolute value inside which gives \( |-17| = 17 \).
- Step 4: Apply the negative sign outside, resulting in \( -17 \).