Why is the absolute value only in the numerator here?

Thread starter shanepitts
Start date May 22, 2015
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Absolute Absolute value Value

In summary, the presence of absolute value in an equation indicates that the value being measured is always positive, regardless of its sign. While it is more commonly seen in the numerator, it can also appear in the denominator in certain cases. The purpose of using absolute value is to ensure positive values, simplify calculations, and make them easier to interpret. The absolute value of a number is calculated by removing the negative sign, and it can also be calculated for complex numbers using a specific formula.

May 22, 2015

shanepitts

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May 22, 2015

SammyS

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shanepitts said:

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Is b ever negative?

May 22, 2015

shanepitts

SammyS said:

Is b ever negative?

haha

so obvious

thanks a bunch

Related to Why is the absolute value only in the numerator here?

1. Why is the absolute value only in the numerator here?

The absolute value only being in the numerator indicates that the value being measured is always positive, regardless of the sign of the number. This is commonly seen in situations where the magnitude of a quantity is more important than its direction.

2. Can the absolute value be in the denominator?

In certain mathematical equations, the absolute value may appear in the denominator. However, this is not as common as having it in the numerator. The only time the absolute value cannot be in the denominator is when the denominator can potentially be equal to zero, as division by zero is undefined.

3. What is the purpose of using absolute value in an equation?

The purpose of using absolute value in an equation is to ensure that the value being measured is always positive. This is useful in situations where negative values do not make sense or are not applicable. It can also help simplify calculations and make them easier to interpret.

4. How do you calculate the absolute value of a number?

The absolute value of a number is calculated by removing the negative sign (if present) from the number. For example, the absolute value of -5 is 5, and the absolute value of 10 is still 10. In mathematical notation, the absolute value of x is represented as |x|.

5. Can the absolute value of a complex number be calculated?

Yes, the absolute value of a complex number can be calculated. It is the distance from the origin (0,0) to the point on the complex plane representing the complex number. The formula for calculating the absolute value of a complex number is: |a + bi| = √(a² + b²), where a is the real part and b is the imaginary part of the complex number.