Python abs() Function

The Python abs() function is used to return the absolute value of a number. The absolute function returns a positive number if the original number is negative.

Syntax:

Parameters

num: A number whose absolute value is to be returned, such as an integer, a floating number, or a complex number.

Return: It returns the absolute value of the specified number.

Python abs() Function Examples

abs() Function with an Integer Argument

We can use the abs() function to convert a negative integer into a positive integer.

Example

Let's see an example, where we will see, a negative integer getting converted to a positive integer.

Output:

Absolute value of -100 is: 100

abs() Function with a Floating-Point Number

Similarly, we can convert a negative floating number into a positive floating number by using the abs() function.

Example

Let's see an example, where we will see, a negative floating-point number getting converted to a positive floating-point number.

Output:

Absolute value of float number -69.96 is:  69.96

abs() Function with a Complex Number

The complex number consists of a real part and an imaginary part. We can pass the complex number through the abs() function, and we will get an absolute value returned.

Example

Let's see an example, where we will pass a complex number through abs() function and get an absolute value.

Output:

Magnitude of complex number (5+12j) is:  13.0

Time-Distance Calculation Using Python abs() Function

As we already know, the abs() function returns the positive value, and we are also aware that speed, distance, and time can't be negative. So, we can use the abs() method to calculate the exact time, distance, and speed.

The formula we are going to use is as follows:

Output:

Distance (km): 46.2
Time (hr): 2.0
Calculated Speed (km/hr): 23.1

Speed (km/hr): 60.5
Time (hr): 3.0
Calculated Distance (km): 181.5

Distance (km): 50.0
Speed (km/hr): 5.0
Calculated Time (hr): 10.0

Exception of the abs() Function

We cannot use any other data type except numerical ones with the abs() function.

Let's see what happens when we use a string with the abs() function.

Output:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
TypeError                                 Traceback (most recent call last)
Cell In[8], line 1
----> 1 abs("TpoinTech")

TypeError: bad operand type for abs(): 'str'

It clearly defines that the abs() function can't be used with any other data type, as it would result in an error.

Conclusion

The Python abs() function is used to return the absolute value of a number. The absolute function returns a positive number if the original number is negative. The syntax is abs(number). We discussed the abs() function using integer arguments, floating-point numbers, and complex numbers. We also learnt how to do Time-Distance calculation using the Python abs() Function.