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Absolute Value basics

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic
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by revoltangel » Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:26 pm
I need help knowing the basic rule of absolute values. I've always been taught that anything inside the " | x | " absolute value sign always comes out positive. I am learning that is not always the case. What should I know about absolute value when it comes to the GMAT? Thx :)
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by cramya » Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:39 pm
Revolt,

|x| is never negative

By defnition:

If x is positive or 0 then |x| = x

If x is neagtive then |x| = -x (negative(negative) = positive here x is negative)

Eg:

Let x=-2


|x| = |-2| by defnition = - x = - (- 2) = 2
I am learning that is not always the case
Can u help me understand what u meant above just so we are on the same page?
Last edited by cramya on Sun Dec 28, 2008 9:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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by Ian Stewart » Sun Dec 28, 2008 2:00 pm
cramya wrote:Revolt,

|x| is always positive
Well, that's almost true: |x| can also be equal to zero. Of course, absolute value measures a distance, so it can never be negative.
For online GMAT math tutoring, or to buy my higher-level Quant books and problem sets, contact me at ianstewartgmat at gmail.com

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by cramya » Sun Dec 28, 2008 2:55 pm
Good catch Ian!

I should have put it as |x| is never negative like u have mentioned(edited it above and added 0).
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