absolutedifference

The absolute difference between two numbers is the distance between them on the number line. It is always a non-negative value. Mathematically, the absolute difference between two numbers, say a and b, is denoted as |a - b|. This is equivalent to |b - a|.

To calculate the absolute difference, you first subtract one number from the other. Then, you take the absolute value of the result. The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero, regardless of its sign. For example, the absolute value of 5 is 5, and the absolute value of -5 is also 5. Therefore, the absolute difference between 10 and 4 is |10 - 4| = |6| = 6. Similarly, the absolute difference between 4 and 10 is |4 - 10| = |-6| = 6.

The concept of absolute difference is useful in various fields. In statistics, it is used to measure the deviation of data points from a central value. In computing, it can be used to compare values or to determine the magnitude of an error. For instance, if a program is expected to output 100 but produces 95, the absolute difference is |100 - 95| = 5, indicating an error of 5 units. It is a fundamental concept in understanding distance and magnitude.