In this lesson, students examine absolute value as an operation. First, students interpret the meaning of absolute value of a number in situations. Then students find the values of expressions including absolute value by recognizing absolute value’s place in the order of operations. In the associated Algebra 1 lesson, students work toward writing absolute value as a piecewise function. Students are supported by recalling what they know about absolute value as an operation from grade 6, before expanding on their understanding of absolute value as a function.

Students construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others as they analyze how to solve problems involving absolute value (MP3). They reason abstractly and quantitatively when interpreting the meaning of absolute value in the context of a situation (MP2).