Unit 3: Measuring Magnitude — Read

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In this final unit, we’ll explore absolute value as a way to measure distance—how far a number is from zero, no matter the direction. We’ll learn how to solve equations and inequalities involving absolute value, both symbolically and graphically. With the help of tools like Desmos, we’ll see how absolute value defines ranges, tolerances, and real-world limits. Whether it’s GPS coordinates or error margins in science, absolute value helps us define what "close enough" means.

Section 3.1: Absolute Value
In this section, we’ll learn what absolute value means and how to represent it on a number line and a coordinate plane. We’ll explore symmetry and how absolute value reflects distance, regardless of direction.
- Section 3.1P: Practice
Section 3.2: Absolute Value Equations
In this section, we’ll learn to solve absolute value equations both algebraically and graphically. We’ll explore what it means to say “distance equals a number” and use Desmos to visualize where two expressions intersect.
- Section 3.2P: Practice
Section 3.3: Absolute Value Inequalities
In this section, we’ll learn to solve absolute value inequalities by translating them into statements about distance. We'll explore symbolic strategies and use Desmos to graph and visually analyze solution sets.
- Section 3.3P: Practice

This page titled Unit 3: Measuring Magnitude was last modified on Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:51:58 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Math Department.

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