Evaluate each expression. See Example 5. |3⁄2|

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recognize that the expression involves the absolute value function, denoted by vertical bars \(| \cdot |\), which returns the non-negative value of the number inside.
2. Identify the number inside the absolute value: \(\frac{3}{2}\).
3. Recall that the absolute value of a positive number is the number itself, so \(| \frac{3}{2} | = \frac{3}{2}\).
4. Express the final answer as a positive fraction or decimal, depending on the context of the problem.
5. No further simplification is needed since \(\frac{3}{2}\) is already in simplest form.

Key Concepts

Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. It is always non-negative. For example, |3/2| equals 3/2 because 3/2 is positive, while |-3/2| would also equal 3/2.

Fractional Numbers

Fractions represent parts of a whole and are expressed as a ratio of two integers, numerator over denominator. Understanding how to interpret and manipulate fractions is essential when evaluating expressions involving fractional values.

Evaluating Expressions

Evaluating an expression means simplifying it to a single value by applying mathematical operations and rules. In this case, it involves applying the absolute value operation to the given fraction to find its magnitude.