How do you find the absolute value of -15?

Study for the HSC Mathematics Standard 2 Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam success!

To find the absolute value of a number, you determine its distance from zero on the number line, without considering its direction. The absolute value function removes any negative signs, reflecting the idea that distance cannot be negative.

In the case of -15, the absolute value is represented as |-15|. Since -15 is 15 units away from zero, the absolute value of -15 is 15. Therefore, |-15| equals 15. This tells us that the number -15, despite being negative, corresponds to a positive distance of 15 on the number line.

The other potential answers highlight misunderstandings of the absolute value concept. For instance, stating that |-15| equals -15 would wrongly imply that distance can be negative, which is not the case. Similarly, suggesting that the absolute value could be 0 or 10 does not reflect the correct distance of -15 from zero. Thus, the only correct and logical conclusion is that the absolute value of -15 is indeed 15.

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