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absolute values

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sam117 Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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absolute values Post Tue Mar 13, 2012 1:09 pm
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  • Lap #[LAPCOUNT] ([LAPTIME])
    Hi, this is a question about absolute values. It is written in a Manhattan GMAT guide that |x|= square root of x^2 . But, for instance, square root of (-5)^(2) = [(-5)^2]^(1/2) = (-5)^(2 x 1/2) = (-5)^(1) = -5 ,can someone please tell me where is my mistake.
    Thank you

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    vikram4689 GMAT Titan
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    Post Tue Mar 13, 2012 5:26 pm
    you are not incorrect. |x| means -ve or +ve, you found only one of the ans.

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    sam117 Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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    Post Wed Mar 14, 2012 4:31 am
    An absolute value is always positive. |-5| = 5

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