Online Calculator Resource

# Absolute Difference Calculator

Absolute Difference Calculator
$\big| \, x - y \, \big| = \; ?$

## Calculator Use

Use this calculator to find the absolute difference between two numbers.  Enter 2 real numbers for x and y. The absolute difference between two real numbers x and y is

$$\big| \, x - y \, \big|$$

You can think of this as the distance between the two numbers on a number line.

## Examples of Absolute Difference Formula Calculations:

1. Find the absolute difference between 3 and 9.

$$\big| \, x - y \, \big|$$
$$= \big| \,3 - 9 \, \big|$$
$$= \big| \,-6 \, \big| = \;6$$

The difference between 3 and 9 on a number line is 6 units.

2. Find the absolute difference between -3 and 9.

$$\big| \, x - y \, \big|$$
$$= \big| \,(-3) - 9 \, \big|$$
$$= \big| \,-3 - 9 \, \big|$$
$$= \big| \,-12 \, \big| = \;12$$

The difference between -3 and 9 on a number line is 12 units.

3. Find the absolute difference between -3 and -9.

$$\big| \, x - y \, \big|$$
$$= \big| \,(-3) - (-9) \, \big|$$
$$= \big| \,-3 + 9 \, \big|$$
$$= \big| \,6 \, \big| = \;6$$

The difference between -3 and -9 on a number line is 6 units.

Cite this content, page or calculator as:

Furey, Edward "Absolute Difference Calculator"; from https://www.calculatorsoup.com - Online Calculator Resource.