Absolute value

In mathematics, the absolute value (or modulus1) of a real number is its numerical value without regard to its sign. So, for example, 3 is the absolute value of both 3 and −3. In computers, the mathematical function used to perform this calculation is usually given the name abs().

Related Topics:
Mathematics - 1 - Real number - Sign - Mathematical function

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Generalizations of the absolute value for real numbers, occur in a wide variety of mathematical settings. For example an absolute value is also defined for the complex numbers, the quaternions, ordered rings, fields and vector spaces.

Related Topics:
Complex number - Quaternion - Ordered ring - Field - Vector space

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The absolute value is closely related to the notions of magnitude, distance, and norm in various mathematical and physical contexts.

Related Topics:
Magnitude - Distance - Norm

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