7th Grade · The Number System
Absolute Value
7.NS.A.1a
Definition
The distance a number is from 0 on a number line, written |n|. It is always non-negative.
Examples
- |-7| = 7, because -7 is 7 units from zero.
- |-15| = 15, |0| = 0, and |-8.5| = 8.5.
Key rule
Absolute value is ALWAYS positive or zero — never negative.
Memory hook
The bars mean distance from zero.