Absolute Value in Python Explained

In this Tutorial, we’ll figure out what the absolute - abs() function is used for.

For example, let’s consider the absolute value of the number -100:

print(abs(-100))

Output:

100

In Python, the abs() method is a built-in function that returns the absolute value of a number.

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of whether the number is positive or negative.

For example, the absolute value of -5 is 5, and the absolute value of 5 is also 5.

The absolute value of number X is denoted with |X|, such that:

• |X| = X —> X is a positive number.
• |-X| = X —-> X is a negative number.

Example,

* |100| = 100  --->  X is a positive number.
* |-100| = 100  ----> X is a negative number.

How to find the absolute value of a number in Python : #

Python provides an easy built-in function abs() to find the absolute value.

All you need to write the number with the (n) and the absolute value is returned.

For example :

print(abs(-12314.214))

Output:

12314.214

Example Problem: Given a list of numbers, convert the array into an absolute array #

Solution #

We can use the abs() function to find the absolute value.

nums = [10, -2315, 12312, -1055, -12316, -12012410, -3.141, 121421]
for n in nums:
    print(abs(n))

Output:

10
2315
12312
1055
12316
12012410
3.141
121421

Absolute Value of Complex Number #

Complex numbers are composed of both real and imaginary components, making it more challenging to determine their absolute value compared to integers. To find the absolute value of a complex number represented as x + iy, one must use a different approach.

z = x+iy

The absolute value of z will be;

|z|= √[Re(z)2+Im(z)2]

|z| = √(x2+y2)

Where x and y are the real numbers.

__abs__() : is a form of overriding, for abs() method explained in the article : abs() Method in Python

Conclusion #

To determine the absolute value of a number in Python, utilizing the built-in abs() method.

Simply pass the number in question as an argument to the function. This method can be applied to both real and imaginary numbers, making it a versatile tool for a variety of mathematical calculations.