absolute value
–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 + bi| is equal to  . |
Origin: 1905–10
absolute value
n. The numerical value of a real number without regard to its sign. For example, the absolute value of -4 (written |-4|) is 4. Also called numerical value. The modulus of a complex number, equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of the number.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Science Dictionary
absolute value
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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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