Absolute Value basics
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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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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
|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
Can u help me understand what u meant above just so we are on the same page?I am learning that is not always the case
Last edited by cramya on Sun Dec 28, 2008 9:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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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.cramya wrote:Revolt,
|x| is always positive
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