How to Compute an Absolute Value in SQL

To compute an absolute value in SQL, use the ABS() function. This function takes a single argument, which is the value you want to compute the absolute value of. For example, if you wanted to compute the absolute value of the number -5, you would use the following SQL query:

SELECT ABS(-5);

This query would return the result 5, since the absolute value of -5 is 5.

Examples

Let's look at a few examples of how this function can be used. Suppose you have a table called numbers with the following data:

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If you wanted to compute the absolute values of each of these numbers, you would use the following query:

SELECT ABS(number) FROM numbers;

This query would return the results 5, 2, and 3, since the absolute values of -5, -2, and 3 are 5, 2, and 3, respectively.

Additional Info

The ABS() function is supported by most major databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server. However, the syntax may vary slightly depending on the database you are using. For more information, check out the documentation for your particular database.