Mastering Absolute Value: A Comprehensive Guide

Algebra 2 Grades High School 6:37 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

This lesson reviews the fundamental concepts of absolute value, focusing on simplifying expressions and solving equations involving absolute values. It includes practice problems to solidify understanding.

Video Resource

Absolute Value Algebra

Kevinmathscience

Duration: 6:37
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Definition of Absolute Value
  • Simplifying Absolute Value Expressions
  • Order of Operations with Absolute Values

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define absolute value as the distance from zero.
  • Students will be able to simplify algebraic expressions involving absolute values, following the order of operations.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the definition of absolute value. Discuss that absolute value represents the distance a number is from zero on the number line, and is always non-negative.
  • Video Presentation (10 mins)
    Play the YouTube video 'Absolute Value Algebra' by Kevinmathscience. Instruct students to take notes on the examples provided.
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    Work through example problems similar to those in the video. Emphasize the importance of simplifying inside the absolute value bars before applying the absolute value. Address common errors such as incorrectly applying a negative sign outside the absolute value.
  • Independent Practice (15 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing problems of increasing difficulty involving absolute value expressions. Encourage students to work independently and then compare answers with a partner.
  • Wrap-up and Review (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts covered in the lesson. Answer any remaining student questions and preview the next lesson on solving absolute value equations.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Activity
    Have students use a number line to visualize the absolute value of various numbers. This helps reinforce the concept of distance from zero.

Discussion Questions

  • What does absolute value represent?
  • How does the order of operations apply when simplifying expressions with absolute values?
  • Why is the absolute value of a number always non-negative?

Skills Developed

  • Simplifying Expressions
  • Applying Order of Operations
  • Problem-Solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the absolute value of -7?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 2:

Simplify: -|5 - 8|

Correct Answer: -3

Question 3:

What is the value of |(-3) + (-5)|?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 4:

Simplify: |2 - 9| + 3

Correct Answer: 10

Question 5:

What does absolute value represent?

Correct Answer: The distance from zero

Question 6:

Simplify: -|-4| - |-2|

Correct Answer: -6

Question 7:

What is the value of |6 - 2| - |1 - 5|?

Correct Answer: 0

Question 8:

Simplify: 5 + |-3 - 7|

Correct Answer: 15

Question 9:

Which expression is equivalent to |-8 + 3|?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 10:

What is the result of -2 - | -1 - 3 | ?

Correct Answer: -6

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The absolute value of any number is always __________ or positive.

Correct Answer: zero

Question 2:

The absolute value of -12 is __________.

Correct Answer: 12

Question 3:

| -9 + 4 | = __________.

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

- |7 - 3| = __________.

Correct Answer: -4

Question 5:

The __________ value of a number is its distance from zero.

Correct Answer: absolute

Question 6:

The expression | -2 - 5 | simplifies to __________.

Correct Answer: 7

Question 7:

If x = -3, then |x + 5| equals __________.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 8:

The result of 10 - |-4| is __________.

Correct Answer: 6

Question 9:

- | -6 | + 2 equals __________.

Correct Answer: -4

Question 10:

The absolute value of -1 plus the absolute value of -2 is __________.

Correct Answer: 3

Educational Standards

A2.A.2:Generate and evaluate equivalent algebraic expressions and equations using various strategies.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz Export to Google Docs
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans