Question 316705
<font face="Garamond" size="+2">


Do all of the arithmetic inside of the absolute value bars.  If the result is greater than or equal to zero (positive or zero), use that value.


If the result is less than zero, change the sign and remove the absolute value bars.


Finally, perform any arithmetic left after the absolute value bars are removed.


Minus 5 minus a minus 4 is minus 5 plus 4 is minus 1.  The absolute value of minus 1 is plus 1.  Minus a plus 1 is minus 1.  So -1.  Done.


John
*[tex \LARGE e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0]
</font>