freeCodeCamp/guide/english/python/abs-function/index.md

title
Python Abs Function

abs() is a built-in function in Python 3, to compute 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. The argument can even be a complex number, and in that case its modulus is returned.

Argument

It takes one argument x - an integer, or decimal, or a complex number.

Return Value

The return value would be a positive number or zero. Even if complex number is passed, it would return its magnitude, computed as per complex number algebra.

Code Sample

print(abs(3.4)) # prints 3.4
print(abs(-6)) # prints 6
print(abs(3 + 4j)) # prints 5.0, because |3 + 4j| = 5

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Official Docs

Sources

1. Math Is Fun. Accessed: October 25, 2017