The abs() Command

Command Summary

Returns the absolute value of an argument.

Command Syntax

abs(expression)

Menu Location

• Press 2nd MATH to enter the MATH popup menu.
• Press 1 to enter the Number submenu.
• Press 2 to select abs(.

Calculator Compatibility

This command works on all calculators.

The abs() command returns the absolute value of an expression. The absolute value of a real number is the number of units from 0 the number is. The absolute value of 7 for example is 7 becasue it is that many units away from zero. The absolute value of -7 however is 7. So it in a way gets rid of the negative.

The absolute value of a complex or imaginary number can also be taken, but it is done a little differently. If a complex number is written a+bi, then the absolute value of the number is √(a²+b²).

abs(5)
       5
abs(-5)
       5
abs(3+4i)
       5

Related Commands

• Negation ( ^- )