Python abs() Function

The abs() function in Python returns the absolute value of a number.

Syntax

abs(number)

Parameters:

• number – An integer, float, or a number that implements __abs__()

Returns:

• The non-negative absolute value of the given number.

Example: Using abs() with Integers

print(abs(-5))

5

Example: Using abs() with Floats

print(abs(-3.14))

3.14

Use Case: Why is abs() Useful?

• Helps in finding the distance between numbers
• Commonly used in sorting, graphs, and measurements
• Useful in mathematical functions like distance calculations

Handling Complex Numbers

print(abs(3 + 4j))

5.0

This is because abs() returns the magnitude of a complex number.

Common Mistakes

• Passing a string will raise a TypeError
• Only numerical types are supported unless a class implements __abs__()

Interview Tip

In coding interviews, abs() is often used in problems involving distances, differences, or comparisons.

Summary

• abs() returns the absolute value
• Supports int, float, and complex
• Raises TypeError if the argument is not numeric

Practice Problem

Write a program that reads a number from the user and prints its absolute value.

num = float(input("Enter a number: "))
print("Absolute value is:", abs(num))