Graphing Absolute Value Functions

The absolute value of a number is always positive. If the number inside the absolute value bars is positive, it does not change. And if it is negative, the sign changes, so that it becomes positive. $\text{-}7$ is negative, so $$|\text{-}7|=7.$$

In the same manner as before, you examine what is inside the absolute value bars. $19$ is positive, so the absolute value will not change anything. You then get $$|19|=19.$$

Once again, you examine the sign on the number inside the absolute value bars, and this time it is negative, so you change the sign and get $$|\text{-}1.25|=1.25.$$