document.write( "Question 245850: Rewrite the expression without absolute value bars.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "ll-1l-l-8ll\r
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Algebra.Com's Answer #179514 by jsmallt9(3758) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The vertical bars not only indicate absolute value but they also function as grouping symbols (like parentheses). So just like with parentheses we simplify from the inside out:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"abs%28abs%28-1%29+-+abs%28-8%29%29\"$
\n" ); document.write( "Since $\"abs%28-1%29+=+1\"$ and $\"abs%28-8%29+=+8\"$ this simplifies to:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"abs%281+-+8%29\"$
\n" ); document.write( "and 1 -8 = -7:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"abs%28-7%29\"$
\n" ); document.write( "which equals
\n" ); document.write( "7 \n" ); document.write( "

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