Starting at 0, count the number of whole numbers between 0 and -3. The amount counted is the abolsute value of -3. I've included an image showing ths process. From the number line shown, its clear the abolsute value is 3.
Plot –3 on a number line. Find the distance the point is from 0. –3 is 3 units from zero. The absolute value is the distance from 0. The absolute value of –3 is 3.
