The absolute value of number  denoted "| 5|"-----is read as "the absolute value of 5---  or the distance 5 is from 0

• This is why absolute value is never negative

• Absolute value only asks  "How far?"

•  This means that | 5 | = 5  because 5 is five units to the right of zero

• This means| –5 | = 5, because –5 is three units to the left of zero