[header] How to simplify absolute values [title] Determine your expression. [step] Simplifying a numerical argument is an easy process: because absolute zero represents a distance between your number and 0, your answer will always be positive. Start by performing any operations within the absolute value bars to determine your expression. 
[substeps] For example, say you are trying to simplify the absolute value of an expression,-6 + 3. Since the entire expression is within the absolute value bars, do the addition first.