Evaluate each expression. |-15|

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the vertical bars around a number represent the absolute value, which is the distance of that number from zero on the number line, always expressed as a non-negative value.
2. Identify the number inside the absolute value bars, which is -15 in this case.
3. Recall that the absolute value of a negative number is its positive counterpart, so \( |-15| = 15 \).
4. Write the expression without the absolute value bars as the positive value of the number inside, which is 15.
5. Conclude that the absolute value of -15 is 15.

Key Concepts

Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. It is always non-negative. For example, |-15| equals 15 because -15 is 15 units away from zero.

Number Line Understanding

Understanding the number line helps visualize absolute value as the distance from zero. Negative numbers lie to the left of zero, but their absolute value is positive since distance cannot be negative.

Evaluating Expressions

Evaluating expressions involves simplifying or calculating the value of a given mathematical statement. Here, it means applying the absolute value operation to the number inside the bars to find the result.