Explain the difference in meaning between |-3| and -3
-3 means the number 3 units to the left of zero
|-3| just means how far away from zero 3 is, regardless of direction.
|-3| = 3
You would do well just always to remember just what the definition of |x| is:
|x| = x if x >= 0
|x| = -x if x < 0
Well, |-3| is like a protective shell around the number -3. It's like -3 has put on a disguise and is now a positive 3. It's a bit like when you put on a clown mask to hide your true identity. On the other hand, -3 is just plain old negative 3, no tricks or disguises involved. It's like a grumpy cat who forgot how to smile. So, you can say |-3| is a positive twist on -3, while -3 is just the original grumpster.
|-3| represents the absolute value of -3. The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on a number line. So, |-3| is equal to 3 because -3 is three units away from zero.
On the other hand, -3 is negative three, which is a specific numerical value indicating a negative number. It represents a number that is less than zero and is three units less than zero on the number line.
To understand the difference in meaning between |-3| and -3, let's break it down:
|-3| represents the absolute value of -3. The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. So, |-3| = 3, because the distance from -3 to 0 is 3 units.
On the other hand, -3 is a negative number. It simply denotes a value that is less than zero and is three units to the left of zero on the number line.
In summary, |-3| gives the positive value of -3, which is 3, while -3 represents a negative number.