What does the "abs" mean?

M_E___G_U_S_T_A

I just don't understand what the “abs” is in the block

([abs v] of (9))

mean. Can anybody help me please?

turkey3_test

That takes the absolute value of the number in the parameters. The absolute value of a number always makes it positive. So if you put in a -4, the block would report a positive 4. If you put in a positive 4, it still would report positive. The rest of the options in the drop-down are advanced mathematical operations.

M_E___G_U_S_T_A

??? I DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!!!! D:

D:

OrcaCat

It returns the positive form of the given number.

turkey3_test

M_E___G_U_S_T_A wrote:
??? I DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!!!! D:
D:

<([abs v] of (4)) = [4]>
<([abs v] of (-4)) = [4]>

TheOatBaron

ABS is the distance the number is from 0; it will always be positive. So abs (-9) = 9 and abs (9) = 9 because both of them are 9 away from 0.

M_E___G_U_S_T_A

hmm… I think I understand now… maybe?

TheOatBaron

Maybe this article can explain it better than us

http://www.purplemath.com/modules/absolute.htm

NOTE: | | is the sign for absolute value (abs)

triplehotdog

Now I understand abs. But why is it important in scratch? In what possibilities can you use it in?

deck26

triplehotdog wrote:
Now I understand abs. But why is it important in scratch? In what possibilities can you use it in?

A simple example - you want to know the difference in the x coordinates of two sprites.

set [difference v] to ([abs v] of ((X1) - (X2)))

is easier than

set [difference v] to ((X1) - (X2))
if <(difference) < [0 ]> then
    
set [difference v] to ((difference) * (-1))
end

PaganoLeo10

If a negative number is put into the parameter, it's distance from 0 will be reported. Otherwise, the parameter will be reported.

Last edited by PaganoLeo10 (March 19, 2015 11:06:51)

bsmoa66

Im kindoff confused about this. All i know is -9 converts into 9 positive

:/:/
(#confused :\)

Pxci

Please don't necropost.

Abs turns every negative number into positive.

-9001 = 9001.

EPICPIE03

when [SWAG] key pressed

Fruitbatty

ok, so look. the absolute value of… less say -a is equal to a. The absolute value of -a is a.

TheNonNameMouse

It's pretty much the number's distance from 0 on a number line

sparks

This thread was brought back by necroposting and I think the original question was answered so I'm closing this.

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