Definitions for absolute value
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
ab′solute val′ue(n.)
the magnitude of a quantity, irrespective of sign; the distance of a quantity from zero. The absolute value of a number is symbolized by two vertical lines, as 蜹3蜹 or 蜹−3蜹 is three.
the square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of a given complex number.
Ref: Also called modulus.
Origin of absolute value:
1905–10
Princeton's WordNet
absolute value, numerical value(noun)
a real number regardless of its sign
Wiktionary
absolute value(Noun)
For a real number, its numerical value without regard to its sign; formally, -1 times the number if the number is negative, and the number unmodified if it is zero or positive.
absolute value(Noun)
For a complex number, the square root of the sum of the squares of its real and imaginary parts.
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