How do I state the absolute value of a number?

The absolute value of a number is expressed as the number itself without regard to its sign. It is denoted by vertical bars: for example, the absolute value of ( x ) is written as ( |x| ). If ( x ) is positive or zero, ( |x| = x ); if ( x ) is negative, ( |x| = -x ). Thus, the absolute value represents the distance of a number from zero on the number line.