Python abs()

The abs() function returns the absolute value of the given number. If the number is a complex number, abs() returns its magnitude.

Example

number = -20

absolute_number = abs(number)
print(absolute_number) # Output: 20

abs() Syntax

The syntax of abs() method is:

abs(num)

abs() Parameters

abs() method takes a single argument:

  • num - a number whose absolute value is to be returned. The number can be:
    • integer
    • floating number
    • complex number

abs() Return Value

abs() method returns the absolute value of the given number.

  • For integers - integer absolute value is returned
  • For floating numbers - floating absolute value is returned
  • For complex numbers - magnitude of the number is returned

Example 1: Get absolute value of a number

# random integer
integer = -20
print('Absolute value of -20 is:', abs(integer))
#random floating number floating = -30.33
print('Absolute value of -30.33 is:', abs(floating))

Output

Absolute value of -20 is: 20
Absolute value of -30.33 is: 30.33

Example 2: Get magnitude of a complex number

# random complex number
complex = (3 - 4j)
print('Magnitude of 3 - 4j is:', abs(complex))

Output

Magnitude of 3 - 4j is: 5.0