Mary T.
asked • 08/19/22What is f (-8) when f (x) = |x|
-8 or 8
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2 Answers By Expert Tutors
Dayv O. answered • 08/19/22
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Attentive Reliable Knowledgeable Math Tutor
The function f(x)=|x| is defined as follows
|x|=x for x≥0
|x|= -x for x<0
if x=-8
|x|= -(-8)=8
Nathan Z. answered • 08/19/22
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New to Wyzant
Duke Math Major w/ extensive math competition experience
F(-8) would be 8 in this question because the absolute value of x is always positive.
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Ian H.
Think of the absolute value function as the distance away from zero. Distance is always a positive number so if you take the absolute value of -x, it will be equal to the absolute value of positive x. If it helps, think about traveling to school and the grocery store from your house. Let's say the school is 5 miles south and the grocery store is 5 miles north. They are in different directions but the distance from your house is the same.08/19/22