Interpret absolute value as the size of a debt or change
Look at the minus sign. It shows the direction from zero, not the size. Write the size without the sign.
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See worked examples
A diver is at an elevation of −7 feet, which is below sea level. How many feet is the diver from sea level?
Answer: 7
Mia's account balance is −$8. How many dollars does Mia owe?
Answer: 8
Overnight the temperature changed by −6 °C. What is the size of the change in degrees?
Answer: 6
Tip: Look at the minus sign. It shows the direction from zero, not the size. Write the size without the sign.
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