[SOLVED] Simple Issue: Absolute Value

**Altermeris** · June 10th 2010, 08:15 AM

So the problem is [Math]abs(3-sqrt(17))[/tex].

What I do know is that the result should be a positive 1.2311, what I don't know is can I represent that with a square root or do I have to convert it to a decimal? I am stuck on how to represent this.

**Plato** · June 10th 2010, 08:23 AM

Do you understand that $|a-b|=|b-a|?$
So $|3-\sqrt{17}|=|\sqrt{17}-3|=\sqrt{17}-3$ .

**Altermeris** · June 10th 2010, 08:24 AM

Well I do now! That makes a lot more sense.

Thread: [SOLVED] Simple Issue: Absolute Value

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

[SOLVED] Simple Issue: Absolute Value

Similar Math Help Forum Discussions

simple fraction issue

Having an issue with a seemingly simple integration with trig.

Simple issue using Taylor's Thm

[SOLVED] law of cosines issue

[SOLVED] homomorphism issue on Z_m \to Z_n

Search Tags