--- title: Python Abs Function --- In Python 3,`abs()` is a built-in function that computes the absolute value of any number. The absolute value of a number "means only how far a number is from 0" ¹ It takes one argument `x`, and the argument can even be a complex number, in which case its modulus is returned. ## Argument It takes one argument `x` - either an integer, or decimal, or complex number, or any mathematical expression in general. ## Return Value The return value would be a positive number or zero. Even if a complex number is passed, it would return its magnitude, computed as per complex number algebra. + A complex number is passed - It would return its modulus i.e., magnitude, computed as per complex number algebra. + A mathematical expression is passed - It would return its `|result|`, computed as per BODMAS rule. ## Code Sample ```python print(abs(3.4)) # prints 3.4 print(abs(-6)) # prints 6 print(abs(3 + 4j)) # prints 5.0, because |3 + 4j| = 5 print(abs(3 + 4 - 6 * 3.4)) # prints 13.4, because |3 + 4 - (6 * 3.4)| = |3 + 4 - 20.4| = |-13.4| = 13.4 print(abs(3 - 4j - 3 - 4j)) # prints 8.0, because |(3 - 3) + (- 4j - 4j)| = 8.0 ``` 🚀 Run Code Official Docs ### Sources 1. Math Is Fun. Accessed: October 25, 2017