Finding h(-4), h(4), h(-3) for h(x) = |x|

I am having some sort of a dilemma within myself. I am currently working with outputs of functions. I came across a proble that has the following directions:

Find the indicated ooutputs for these functions:

h(x)=|x|;find h(-4),h(4),and h(-3)

So I substituted: h(-4)=|-4|

I resulted with h(-4)=4

My question is: When a negative sign is inside the absolute value, then is it the absolute value of -4 or 4? What about when the negative sign is outside the absolute value sign, -|4| ?

I would be grateful for any assistance :wink:

Why are you confused? Absolute value operators, like everything else, operate only on those things they encompass. If it isn't IN the absolute values, leave it alone.

|4| = 4
|-4| = 4
-|4| = -(4) = -4
-|-4| = -(4) = -4

thank you, you really helped