Lesson 14

Absolute Value Meaning

These materials, when encountered before Algebra 1, Unit 4, Lesson 14 support success in that lesson.

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Lesson Narrative

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 must look for and make use of structure (MP7) when they use order of operations with absolute value.


Learning Goals

Teacher Facing

  • Recall that absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line.
  • Recognize absolute value’s place in order of operations.

Student Facing

  • Let’s investigate absolute values.

CCSS Standards

Building On

Building Towards

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