What's $|5|+|-7|$?
A) -12
B) 2
C) -2
D) 12
Answer (2)
The expression ∣5∣ + ∣ − 7∣ evaluates to 5 + 7 , resulting in 12. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Understanding absolute value helps us calculate these distances from zero accurately.
;
Calculate the absolute value of 5: ∣5∣ = 5 .
Calculate the absolute value of -7: ∣ − 7∣ = 7 .
Add the results: 5 + 7 = 12 .
The final answer is 12 .
Explanation
Understanding Absolute Value We are asked to evaluate the expression ∣5∣ + ∣ − 7∣ , which involves absolute values. The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line. It is always non-negative.
Calculating |5| First, let's find the absolute value of 5. Since 5 is 5 units away from zero, we have ∣5∣ = 5 .
Calculating |-7| Next, let's find the absolute value of -7. Since -7 is 7 units away from zero, we have ∣ − 7∣ = 7 .
Adding the Absolute Values Now, we add the absolute values: ∣5∣ + ∣ − 7∣ = 5 + 7 = 12 .
Final Answer Therefore, the value of the expression ∣5∣ + ∣ − 7∣ is 12. The correct answer is D.
Examples
Imagine you are walking along a straight path. You walk 5 steps forward, and then you turn around and walk 7 steps backward. The total number of steps you've taken, regardless of direction, is the sum of the absolute values of the distances you walked in each direction. In this case, it's ∣5∣ + ∣ − 7∣ = 5 + 7 = 12 steps.
