Python abs() function

Python Built-in Function, Python Reference

abs() is a built-in function in Python programming language which gives a positive value of any number in return. It means it converts any negative number into a positive number and positive numbers remain unchanged. If a given argument is a complex number then the abs() function returns its magnitude as a floating point number of a given complex number.

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abs() function is a part of Python Built-in Functions.

abs() Syntax

abs( n )

 

abs() Parameters

n – where n is any number or numeric expression in Python i-e integer, float or complex.

 

abs() Return Value

abs() function returns an positive/absolute value of a given number. The return value depends on input parameter.

  • If an input parameter is an integer then return value is an integer.
  • If an input parameter is a float or a complex then abs function returns type is a floating point number.

 

abs() Compatibility

This function is available and compatible with both Python 2.x and 3.x

Python 2.x Python 3.x
Yes Yes

 

abs() Function Examples

 

An integer in abs()

an integer is a simple number like 2, -23, 100, -99999 etc.

Example

print(abs(-23));

Return value: 23

 

A floating point number in abs()

floating point is a number with a decimal point like 43.92, -444.93, -12.98 etc.

Example

print(abs(-12.98));

Return value: 12.98

 

A complex number in abs()

A complex number is a number that can be expressed in the form of (a + bj), where a and b are real numbers and j is the imaginary unit. In complex numbers, abs() function returns floating representation of the complex number. some of the examples of a complex number are (-25+2j), (6-500j).

Example

print(abs(-25+2j));
print(abs(6+500j));

Output:

25.079872407968907 and 500.0359987040933 respectively.