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Absolute Value |x|

Writing Assignment, Week 3 (Due at end of Week 4)

The Fundamentals of Mathematics, MAT 090

Spring Quarter, 2009, Strayer University

Seth L. Lombardy
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The concept of absolute value is my chosen topic. I am fond of the visual demonstrations of
math, in particular geometric aspects. With the line, and the number-line in particular, being one of the
more recognizable tools for the construction of these shapes and figures, absolute value gives me
almost immediately what mathematics is so apt at achieving when properly done, and that is the
conveyance of a sense of security, reassurance, and quality in the work set before you. Being able to
rationalize that even though you are incrementally in the negative on a scalar diagram, there is still a
positive way of looking at the figure (aside from the implications of the data being measured) and that
all points leading back to zero, which in itself serves as a guide in its role as the point of original
navigation and base-measure, provides a positive numbered output indicating absolute value and aids in
the additional function of adding integers on both sides of the zero without regard to their signs. In
essence, with each of these measurements, you are creating and labeling, with each measured
response, new segments on an infinite series known as a line. You are authoring new territory with each
absolute value that you measure. The accuracy found in the axiomatic fact that a negative number is
still that number, positively expressed when relating its measure back to zero and on a number-line or
other field, provides for you as the mathematician to safely move forward and advance different
theorems and work increasingly more difficult problems. Absolute value represents a founding premise
for the entire purpose of mathematics: Finding simplified expression.
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Works Cited
Saltzer, B. K. (2004). The Fundamentals of Mathematics. Boston: Peasron Custom Publishing.