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:

abs (num)  

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.

#integer number    

neg_integer = -100    

#finding the absolute value using the abs() function  

print('Absolute value of -100 is:', abs(neg_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.

# below is a floating-point number  

float_number = -69.96  

#finding the absolute value using the abs() function  

print("Absolute value of float number", float_number, "is: ",abs(float_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.

# complex number  

complex_num = (5 + 12j)  

#finding the absolute value using abs() function  

print("Magnitude of complex number", complex_num,"is: ", abs(complex_num))

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:

1. Distance  = Speed * Time  
2. Time = Distance / Speed  
3. Speed = Distance / Time  

Example

# Functions for basic motion calculations  

# Calculate speed  

def find_speed(distance, hours):  

    print("Distance (km):", distance)  

    print("Time (hr):", hours)  

    speed = distance / hours  

    return speed  

# Calculate distance  

def find_distance(rate, hours):  

    print("Speed (km/hr):", rate)  

    print("Time (hr):", hours)  

    distance = rate * hours  

    return distance  

# Calculate time  

def find_time(distance, rate):  

    print("Distance (km):", distance)  

    print("Speed (km/hr):", rate)  

    time_required = distance / rate  

    return time_required  

# Main Program  

# Using absolute values to avoid negative inputs  

print("Calculated Speed (km/hr):",  

      find_speed(abs(46.2), abs(-2.0)))  

print()  

print("Calculated Distance (km):",  

      find_distance(abs(-60.5), abs(3.0)))  

print()  

print("Calculated Time (hr):",  

      find_time(abs(50.0), abs(5.0)))

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.

Example

abs("PythonApp")  

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.