The rule for absolute values is. 1. If the number between the | | is positive, just replace the | | with ( ). 2. If the number between the | | is negative, change the sign of the number between them to positive and then change the | | to ( ). 3*(-3)^2-4|-3|+6 So change the -3 to 3 and the | | to ( ) 3*(-3)^2-4(3)+6 Do the exponent first (-3)^2 means (-3)(-3) = 9 3*9-4(3)+6 Do the 3*9 getting 27 27-4(3)+6 Do the multiplication 4(3) getting 12 27-12+6 Do the subtraction 15+6 Do the addition 21 Edwin