Definition

Noun: - A real number regardless of its sign: The absolute magnitude of a number, independent of whether it is positive or negative. This is synonymous with the mathematical concept of absolute value.

Usage

The term "numerical value" is used to discuss the magnitude or size of a number in a purely quantitative sense, often in mathematical, scientific, or statistical contexts. It refers to the number itself, stripped of any directional or sign-related information (like positive or negative).

Examples

• In a mathematical context:
  • The numerical value of -15 is 15.
  • When calculating distance, we are interested in the numerical value of the difference.
• In a general/scientific context:
  • The sensor reports the numerical value of the pressure, not its direction.
  • Compare the numerical values in these two columns, ignoring the plus or minus signs.

Advanced Usage

• "Absolute numerical value": This phrase is sometimes used for extra clarity, though it is redundant as "numerical value" already implies absoluteness. It emphasizes the distance from zero on the number line.
  • For this analysis, we only need the absolute numerical value of the error.

Variants and Related Words

• Absolute value (n): The precise mathematical term for the numerical value of a real number. It is often denoted by vertical bars, e.g., | -7 | = 7.
• Magnitude (n): A more general term for size or extent, which can apply to vectors, quantities, and numbers. In the context of real numbers, magnitude is equivalent to numerical value.
• Modulus (n): A term used primarily in mathematics and physics, often synonymous with absolute value for real numbers.

Synonyms

• Absolute value
• Magnitude (when referring to a real number)
• Modulus (in specific technical contexts)

Antonyms

• Signed value: A number that includes its positive or negative sign.
  • The signed value indicates direction, while the numerical value indicates only size.

Related Phrases

• In numerical value: Describing something by its pure number.
  • The two forces are equal in numerical value but opposite in direction.

Noun

1. a real number regardless of its sign