The absolute value,also called the modulus, is just the 'size' of a number. So the absolute value of
-5 is just 5 ,for example. And the absolute value of 5 is 5.
To find the absolute value of an expression like (x-a), square it,and then take the square root so that you always get a positive number.,
Example:
Abs value of (10 - 8) is the same as abs value of (8-10) ,
because by the definition, abs value (10-8) = square root of (10-8) squared = square root of 2 squared =2 and abs value of (8-10) = square root of (-2) squared = square root of 4 = 2.