Identify the absolute value expression in the problem: \(| -13 |\).
Recall that the absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, which is always non-negative. So, \(| -13 | = 13\).
Rewrite the original expression by replacing the absolute value with its value: \$16 - 13$.
Perform the subtraction operation between the two numbers.
Write the final simplified expression as the result of the subtraction.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Absolute Value
The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, always expressed as a non-negative value. For example, | -13 | equals 13 because distance is always positive regardless of direction.
Order of operations dictates the sequence in which mathematical operations are performed. In this problem, the absolute value must be evaluated before performing subtraction to ensure the correct result.
Subtraction involves finding the difference between two numbers. After evaluating the absolute value, subtract the result from the first number, keeping track of signs to avoid errors.