MATH TERMS FOR ABSOLUTE VALUES

Absolute Value: a number’s distance from zero

Examples:  a) |4| = 4, |-4| = 4         b) – |-4| = – (+4) = -4        c) – |-4²| = –|16| = -16        

d) – |-4|² = –(4²) = -(16) = -16

TIP FOR ABSOLUTE VALUE PROBLEMS
Always deal with the absolute value sign first. That means solve whatever is inside the absolute value sign first.

Once you've gotten rid of it, then you can solve the problem just like you would a normal equation.

Example:          x + | -22| = 14          [Do not try to move anything over until you solve | | ]
                           x + | 4 | = 14
                           x + 4 = 14                [Now you can solve it like a normal equation!]
                           x = 5

SAMPLE PRACTICE QUESTION FOR ABSOLUTE VALUES
If |p – 5| = 8 and | (t – 2)²| = 25, and p and t are less than zero, what is tp?

     Solution Step 1
     |p – 5| = 8
     |-3 – 5| = 8       [Remember, p < 0]
     |-8| = 8
     p = -3

     Solution Step 2
     |(t + 8)²| = 25
     |(-3 + 8)²| = 25      [Remember, t < 0]
     |(5)² | = 25
     t = -3

     So, tp = (-3)( -3) = 9

SAT Math: Absolute Value Practice

Lesson Includes:

—Math Terms for Absolute Value

—Tips for Absolute Value Problems

—Sample Practice Questions

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ABSOLUTE VALUE REVIEW QUIZ

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