What does the absolute value function do to a number?

The absolute value function transforms a number into its non-negative equivalent, regardless of whether the original number is positive or negative. Specifically, if the number is positive, the absolute value remains unchanged, and if the number is negative, the absolute value converts it to its positive counterpart. This is fundamental in mathematics as it allows us to focus on the magnitude of a number without regard to its sign. For instance, the absolute value of -5 is 5, while the absolute value of 5 is still 5. Thus, stating that the absolute value function makes a number positive captures the essence of how it operates on both positive and negative numbers, reinforcing its primary role in numerical analysis and problem-solving.