What does absolute value measure?

Absolute value measures the distance a number is from zero on a number line, regardless of direction. This concept is pivotal in understanding how numbers relate to zero, enabling comparisons and calculations involving both positive and negative values.

For example, the absolute value of both -4 and 4 is 4, reflecting the fact that both numbers are four units away from zero on the number line. This definition emphasizes that absolute value always results in a non-negative number, illustrating its role as a measure of magnitude without regard for sign. Understanding absolute value is fundamental in various mathematical contexts, including solving equations and analyzing distances in different applications.