absolute value

[ab-suh-loot val-yoo]

noun

Mathematics.

1. Also called numerical value. the magnitude of a quantity, irrespective of sign; the distance of a quantity from zero. The absolute value of a number is symbolized by two vertical lines, as |3| or |−3| is equal to 3.

2. the square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of a given complex number, as |a + b i | is equal to .

absolute value

noun

1. the positive real number equal to a given real but disregarding its sign. Written | x |. Where r is positive, | r | = r = | – r |

2. Also called: modulus. a measure of the magnitude of a complex number, represented by the length of a line in the Argand diagram: | x + i y | = √( x ² + y ²), so | 4 + 3i | = 5

absolute value

1. The value of a number without regard to its sign. For example, the absolute value of +3 (written ‖+3‖) and the absolute value of −3 (written ‖−3‖) are both 3.

Word History and Origins

Origin of absolute value¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

In his annual letter to investors, the outspoken venture capitalist wrote about how rising interest rates caused “absolute value destruction” among money-losing start-ups, like the ones he had invested in.

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“Oh, really? Well, if x is greater than or equal to zero, then x to the fourth power minus six times x squared plus nine equals the absolute value of x squared minus three.”

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Alberto Múnera, a theology professor and Jesuit priest at the Pontifical Xavierian University in Bogotá, lectures his students on the “exceptions” to the “absolute value of human life” in church teaching.

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However, China’s transaction volume with illicit addresses has fallen drastically over the two-year period in terms of absolute value and relative to other countries, Chainalysis said.

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From the standpoint of the absolute value of secularism, “it doesn’t conform to his obligation to be neutral,” Ms. Lorcerie said.

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