6th Grade · The Number System
Absolute Value
6.NS.C.7
Definition
The distance of a number from zero on the number line, always positive or zero.
Examples
- |-5| = 5 and |5| = 5 — both are 5 units from zero.
- Distance is always positive or zero, never negative.
Key rule
Absolute value measures distance, so it's never negative.
Memory hook
How far from zero, no matter which direction.