Math.abs

Category:Math

Math.abs(x)

Category: Math

Returns the absolute value of x.

There are some math calculations that require you to find the absolute value of a value, ignoring the negative sign. Math.abs(x) does not change the value of x, rather it returns the absolute value of x.

Examples


var y = Math.abs(-23);
console.log(y);

Distance between two points Use coordinates to calculate the horizontal and vertical distance between two points. This example also uses Math.round to display results.

// Use coordinates to calculate the horizontal and vertical distance between two points. This example also uses Math.round to display results.
var x1 = getX();
var y1 = getX();
arcRight(123, 60);
var x2 = getX();
var y2 = getY();
var horizontalDistance = Math.abs(x2-x1);
var verticalDistance = Math.abs(y2-y1);
console.log("The turtle traveled " + Math.round(horizontalDistance) + " pixels horizontally.");
console.log("The turtle traveled " + Math.round(verticalDistance) + " pixels vertically");

Increments of distance Move the turtle a number of times at random, and keep track of the total distance traveled.

// Move the turtle a number of times at random, and keep track of the total distance traveled.
var distance = 0;
for (var i = 0; i < 4; i++) {
  var y = randomNumber(-100, 100);
  console.log("Move " + y + " units.");
  moveForward(y);
  distance = distance + Math.abs(y);
}
console.log("The turtle has moved a total of " + distance + " units.");

Syntax

Math.abs(x);

Parameters

Name Type Required? Description
x number Yes An arbitrary number or variable.

Returns

A number representing the absolute value of x, or NaN if x is not a number, or 0 if no parameter is provided.

Found a bug in the documentation? Let us know at documentation@code.org

Found a bug in the documentation? Let us know at documentation@code.org