To simplify the expression [tex]\( |-5 - 3| \)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Combine the terms inside the absolute value:
[tex]\[
-5 - 3
\][/tex]
Subtracting [tex]\(3\)[/tex] from [tex]\(-5\)[/tex], we get:
[tex]\[
-8
\][/tex]
2. Apply the absolute value:
The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. Therefore, the absolute value of [tex]\(-8\)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
| -8 | = 8
\][/tex]
So, the simplified expression is:
[tex]\[
|-5 - 3| = 8
\][/tex]
