Subtract Absolute Value Game

Subtract Absolute Value Game
Remember the Sign Interactions
Inside Negatives: |-x| is just x.
Outside Negatives: -|x| is -x.
Double Negatives: -|-x| is -x.
Remember to process the absolute value bars before subtracting the results.
Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
 

 

How to play the “Subtract Absolute Value Game”

1. Choose your Challenge
   Level 1 |x|: Focuses on one single expression. Great for practicing the absolute value logic.
   Level 2 |x|-|y|: Introduces subtraction. You must solve two absolute value sets before combining them.
   Level 3 (Mixed Mode) |x|-(y): You will see terms like |-7| - (-3). Remember: the bars change the -7, but the parentheses do not change the -3.
   
   
2. The Two-Step Method
   Step 1: Simplify each absolute value term into a single number.
   

• Evaluate the distance from zero for each term.
  
• Remember: The result of an absolute value like |x| or |-x| is always positive.
  
• However, if there is a negative sign outside the bars (e.g., -|x|), that negative sign stays and makes the result negative.
  Step 2: Subtract the resulting numbers together.
  
• Once the bars are gone, use standard rules for subtracting positive and negative integers.
  
  

3. Worked Examples
   Example A: Standard Subtraction
   |-15| - |7|
   Evaluate |-15| = 15
   Evaluate |7| = 7
   Subtract: 15 - 7 = 8
   
   Example B: The “Negative Result”
   |5| - |-12|
   Evaluate |5| = 5
   Evaluate |-12| = 12
   Subtract: 5 - 12 = -7
   
   Example C: The Double Negative Trap
   |-8| - (-5)
   Evaluate |-8| = 8
   The second term is just (-5) in parentheses, so it stays -5.
   Subtract: 8 - (-5).
   Since subtracting a negative is the same as adding: 8 + 5 = 13
    
   

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to subtract absolute values.

• Show Video

 

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