Absolute Value & Negative Sign Game

Absolute Value & Negative Sign Game
This game generates three types of problems to test a student’s understanding of how negative signs interact with absolute value bars:
Internal Negative: |-5| = 5
External Negative: -|5| = -5
Double Negative: -|-5| = -5
Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
 
Check out these other Complex Numbers games:
Absolute Values (How far is it from 0?)
Absolute Values & Negative Signs (|-5|, -|5|, -|-5|)
Compare Absolute Values (use <,= or >)

Add Absolute Values (|6|+|-3|,|-7|+(-4))
Subtract Absolute Values (|5|-|-3|,|-7|-(-8))
Multiply Absolute Values (|8|·|-3|,|-4|·(-5))
Divide Absolute Values (|9|÷|-2|,|-7|÷(-3))
Absolute Values (Mixed Op) (+,-,×,÷)

 

 

How to play the “Absolute Value & Negative Sign Game”

1. The Rules of the Signs
   There are three main scenarios you will encounter in this game. Understanding these “layers” is the secret to a perfect score:
   

• Inside Only: |-5|
  The bars act like a “negativity filter.” They look at the -5, strip away the sign, and turn it into a positive 5.
  
• Outside Only: -|5|
  The bars turn 5 into 5 (no change). But the negative sign is outside the bars, so it attaches to the result at the end. The answer is -5.
  
• Both Inside and Outside: -|-5|
  First, the bars turn the internal -5 into a positive 5. Then, the outside negative sign changes it to negative. The final answer is -5.
  
  

2. How to Play
   Select Difficulty: Choose your number range (up to 10 or 50).
   Analyze the Expression: Look closely at where the negative signs are located.
   Tip: Always “evaluate” the bars first, then look at what is outside.
   Choose the Result: Pick the correct integer from the grid.
   Feedback: If you get it wrong, remember: Absolute value bars are like a machine that outputs a positive distance; the signs outside are added afterward.
   
   
3. Why This Matters
   In algebra, many students make the mistake of thinking “two negatives always make a positive.” This game teaches you that this is not true when absolute value is involved. The bars act as a wall that needs to be solved first.
    
   

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to find the absolute value with negative sign.

• Show Video

 

Check out our most popular games!

We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.