This section is an exploration of the absolute value function; specifically how and why they are used and their mechanics.

By the end of this section students should be able to:
  • Identify an absolute value in expressions and equations
  • Correctly introduce absolute values when they are needed during work.
  • Solve absolute values both analytically and geometrically.
  • Translate appropriate phrases into absolute value expressions, or vice versa.

In this section we aim to answer the following questions

  • When and why do we need absolute values?
  • How do absolute values and piece-wise functions relate to one another?