Python abs() function
Python built-in abs() function returns the positive value of a negative number. The function accepts a single parameter which can be
integer, float, or complex number. If the number is passed in form of a string then it returns TypeError an exception.
Syntax
abs(number)
There is also a built-in object method __abs__() that you can use instead of abs() functions. Details of __abs__() the method are explained below.
Table of Contents
Examples
x = -23
y = -1.287
z = (5-5j)
print("abs on integer number x : {}".format(abs(x)))
print("abs on float number y : {}".format(abs(y)))
print("abs on complex number z : {}".format(abs(z)))
#PYTHON OUTPUT
abs on integer number x : 23
abs on float number y : 1.287
abs on complex number z : 7.0710678118654755
Python abs() function example
All variables x,y,z are of different type and when passed through abs() function the output will always be a positive number.
num = "-25.21"
print(abs(num))
#PYTHON OUTPUT
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "main.py", line 10, in
print(abs(num))
TypeError: bad operand type for abs(): 'str'
#-----------------------------
num = "-25.21"
print(abs(float(num)))
#PYTHON OUTPUT
25.21
Passing number in string form will throw an exception TypeError: bad operand type for abs(): 'str'. You can use a simple hook here
and type-cast value to float which will work fine. The correct way to deal with these exceptions is shown below programs.
Using object __abs__() method
__abs__() is a built-in object method for integer, float, and complex numbers. strings do not have this method and using this method is
better than use abs() the function.
x = -23
y = -1.287
z = (5-5j)
print("abs on integer number x : {}".format(x.__abs__()))
print("abs on float number y : {}".format(y.__abs__()))
print("abs on complex number z : {}".format(z.__abs__()))
#PYTHON OUTPUT
abs on integer number x : 23
abs on float number y : 1.287
abs on complex number z : 7.0710678118654755
Python abs() function example 2
Check if the method exists in the object and then call __abs__() method.
Python built-in function hasattr() is used to check whether a particular attribute or method exists in an object. It takes two arguments object and attribute name to check and returns a boolean value.
If true is returned then an object has the attribute else returns false.
In the below program, we’ll be using hasattr() a function. If the method __abs__() exists in the object x then the absolute value is returned else a message is displayed.
x = "-23"
if hasattr(x,'__abs__'):
print("abs on integer number x : {}".format(x.__abs__()))
else:
print("method abs does not exists.")
#PYTHON OUTPUT
method abs does not exists.
Program to display the absolute value of a number by taking input from user
print("Enter any number : ")
input = input();
if len(input)>0:
num = float(input)
if hasattr(num, '__abs__'):
abs_value = num.__abs__()
print("The absolute value of entered number is : {}".format(abs_value))
else:
print("You have entered invalid number")
else:
print("You have not given input")
#PYTHON OUTPUT
Enter any number :
-2.356
The absolute value of entered number is : 2.356
display the absolute value of a number by taking input from the user
You can learn in more detail related to python functions by clicking on the official python website link.
Key Takeaways
abs()function returns a positive value of the negative number passed.- abs function also works on complex numbers
- Built-in object method __abs__ if available to an integer, float, and complex numbers. It is an alternative to using the abs() function.
Conclusion
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