Absolute value is simply a measure of how far an integer is from zero on a number line. If look at the number line, ten and negative ten are exactly ten places from zero. This is a measure of how far a value spans from zero. There is no need to regard a positive or negative value. As a result both ten and negative ten have an absolute value of ten. This basically tells us that if we are looking for the absolute value of any positive or negative integer it would have to be positive. The absolute value symbol is denoted by the use of bars (|) surrounding the integer (for example |-12|).

The equation which possesses the absolute value of the solution is the one which can be declared as the absolute value. The answer should be a real number as it represents the distance from the number line. For example, if it is a=|7| then the distance that the digit 7 travels from the zero on the number line is called the absolute value of that number. This has many different applications in the real world. A common measure that is used in this regard is distance. It also has many uses in the financial industry it allows mathematicians to calculate revenue and interest. The business world thrives on the use of this measure. These worksheets explain how to solve equations using absolute value. This skill will serve a much broader purpose when we get to higher levels of algebra.