MHB How can you rewrite expressions using the definition of absolute value?

[mathdad]

The definition of absolute value states the following:

| x | = x when x is > or = 0

| x | = -x when x < 0

I can use the above definition to rewrite expressions that do not contain absolute values.

| -sqrt{3} - sqrt{5} |

Since the expression in the absolute value is less than 0, we can say -(-sqrt{3} - sqrt{5}), which becomes
sqrt{3} + sqrt{5}.

Correct?

 

[HallsofIvy]

Yes, that is correct.