Chapter A, Problem 1E

Rewrite the expression without using the absolute-value symbol.

1. |5 − 23|

To determine

To rewrite: The expression without the absolute value symbol.

Answer to Problem 1E

The equivalent form of the given expression is 18.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The expression is $\left|5-23\right|$.

Calculation:

Find the sum of 5 and $-23$, that is, $5-23=-18$.

Thus, the given expression becomes,

$\left|5-23\right|=\left|-18\right|$

By the definition of absolute value,

$\begin{array}{l}\left|-18\right|=18\\ \left|5-23\right|=18\end{array}$.

Hence, the equivalent form of the given expression is 18.