Find |−8|.
- −8 is eight units to the left of zero.
- Distance ignores the leftward direction.
Answer: 8
Absolute Value Worksheets
Find distance from zero and compare magnitudes of signed numbers.
Learn the skill
Absolute value as distance from zero
The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on a number line. Distances are nonnegative, so opposite numbers have equal absolute values even though their positions differ.
A method you can use
- Locate the number relative to zero.
- Count or calculate the distance to zero without a direction sign.
- Evaluate expressions inside absolute-value bars before taking their absolute value.
Worked examples
Find |3 − 7|.
- Calculate inside the bars: 3 − 7 = −4.
- The distance from −4 to zero is 4.
Answer: 4
Which is larger, −9 or −2? Which has greater absolute value?
- −2 lies farther right, so −2 > −9.
- Their absolute values are 9 and 2.
Answer: −2 is larger; −9 has greater absolute value
Try it yourself
Solve these before opening the answers. The printable sets below give you more practice.
1. Find |−12|.
Show answer and explanation
12
−12 is twelve units from zero.
2. Find |4 − 10|.
Show answer and explanation
6
4 − 10 = −6; its absolute value is 6.
Before you begin
Read signed numbers and fractions; recall multiplication and division facts.
Choose your level
- Easy: Use small numbers and familiar denominators.
- Medium: Use larger numbers and mixed representations.
- Hard: Combine signed quantities or work backwards from a result.
Questions and answer calculations checked on 2026-09-17. How we check worksheets. Free for personal and classroom use.
Preview and print an easy set
Try six questions below, or choose a full set at your level.
1
Find |-5|.
2
Find |11|.
3
Find |-2|.
4
Find |16|.
5
Find |1|.
6
Find |-6|.
Answer Key
1. 52. 113. 24. 165. 16. 6