1. Lesson 1

1.9. Explore 5

Mathematics 20-1 Module 7

Module 7: Absolute Value and Reciprocal Functions

 

Ordering Absolute Values

 

Now that you know how to determine the absolute value of numbers and numerical expressions, you can compare and order several absolute value expressions in a set.



textbook

Turn to “Example 2” on page 361. This example shows you how to order absolute value expressions. Work through the example carefully. Pay attention to the steps that are presented. Would you approach this task differently? If so, explain how.

Self-Check 2

 

This is a play button that opens the Ordering Absolute Value Expressions Self-Check.

Answer the questions in the piece titled Ordering Absolute Value Expressions Self-Check.



This shows an illustration of a meteorologist standing in front of a map of the world. The bottom of the illustration shows glyphs representing different weather types.

© Ilyes Laszlo/5882188/Fotolia

In certain cases, you may be interested in knowing the total change of a particular variable such as distance, investment, or temperature. In the last section of this lesson, you will encounter some scenarios that can be solved by using absolute values.

 

Try This 4

 

Recall the situation presented in the introduction to the Explore section.

 

Over one 30-day period in Beaumont, the daily high temperature dropped from −1.5°C to −4.3°C, then rose to 9.7°C, and then dropped again to 2.9°C.

 

Determine the total change in temperature for the 30-day period by following these steps.

  1. Generate an absolute value expression for each change in temperature.
  1. Determine the sum of the expressions generated in question 1.

course folder Save your responses in your course folder.

 

Share 2

 

With a partner, discuss the following questions relating to Try This 4.

  1. Does the order in which you subtract the temperatures in step 1 matter? Why or why not?

  2. Determine the difference between the temperature at the beginning of the 30-day period and the temperature at the end of the 30-day period. How is this value different from your answer to question 2 in Try This 4?

course folder Save your answers in your course folder.