- Perform the arithmetic operations inside the absolute value brackets: \(2 - 5 + 4 = 1\).
- Apply the definition of absolute value to the resulting number: \(|1| = 1\).
- Identify that the result matches option D.
- The final answer is \(\boxed{1}\).
Explanation
- Analyzing the Expression
We are asked to evaluate the expression \(|2 - 5 + 4|\). The vertical bars \(| \cdot |\) represent the absolute value function. By definition, the absolute value of a real number \(x\), denoted \(|x|\), represents the distance of the number from zero on the real number line, regardless of its sign. Specifically, \(|x| = x\) if \(x \geq 0\), and \(|x| = -x\) if \(x < 0\). The order of operations requires us to simplify the expression inside the absolute value brackets before applying the absolute value operation.
- Simplifying the Internal Expression
First, we focus on the inner arithmetic: \(2 - 5 + 4\). Performing the subtraction and addition from left to right:
\(2 - 5 = -3\)
\(-3 + 4 = 1\)
So, the inner expression simplifies to \(1\).
- Evaluating the Absolute Value
Now, we apply the absolute value to the result: \(|1|\). Since \(1\) is greater than or equal to zero, its absolute value is simply the number itself:
\(|1| = 1\).
- Final Result and Conclusion
Comparing our result with the given choices:
◯ A. \(-1\)
◯ B. \(-11\)
◯ C. \(11\)
◯ D. \(1\)
The correct option is D. The final answer is \(\boxed{1}\).
Examples
The absolute value concept is essentially about distance. Think of it like walking on a straight path: whether you walk 1 meter to the right of your home (represented by \(+1\)) or 1 meter to the left (represented by \(-1\)), you are still exactly 1 meter away from your starting point. In the same way, the absolute value tells us how "far" a number is from zero, ensuring the distance is always a non-negative value. This is used frequently in navigation, physics, and even in finance to calculate differences in value regardless of which direction the change happens.