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Question. Evaluate the expression |-31.889|

Answer:
Explanation:

The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero on the number line, always as a non-negative value.

Definition of Absolute Value:

For any real number a:

  • If a is positive or zero, then |a| = a.
  • If a is negative, then |a| = -a (removing the negative sign).

Applying the Definition:

Given |−31.889|:

  1. The number inside the absolute value bars is −31.889.
  2. Since it is negative, we take its positive counterpart: ∣−31.889∣=31.889|−31.889| = 31.889

Visual Representation:

Imagine a number line:

…−33−32−31.889−31−30…… -33 \quad -32 \quad -31.889 \quad -31 \quad -30 …
  • The point −31.889 is 31.889 units away from 0.
  • Absolute value removes direction and considers only the magnitude.

Real-World Application:

Absolute values are crucial in various fields:

  • Finance: Calculating net losses or gains.
  • Physics: Measuring distances irrespective of direction.
  • Engineering: Ensuring correct calculations in structures and circuits.

Thus, the absolute value of −31.889 is 31.889, as it represents the distance from zero, ignoring direction.