abs() in C - Source Code Example

In this source code example, we will see how to use the abs() function in C programming with an example.

abs() Function Overview

The abs() function is available in <stdlib.h>, returns the absolute value of an integer. In simpler terms, if you provide a negative integer, it gives back the positive version of it. If the integer is already positive or zero, it remains unchanged.

Source Code Example

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

int main() {
    // Define some sample numbers
    int num1 = -5, num2 = 13, num3 = 0;

    // Calculate absolute values using abs() function
    int absNum1 = abs(num1);
    int absNum2 = abs(num2);
    int absNum3 = abs(num3);

    printf("Absolute value of %d is %d\n", num1, absNum1);
    printf("Absolute value of %d is %d\n", num2, absNum2);
    printf("Absolute value of %d is %d\n", num3, absNum3);

    return 0;
}

Output

Absolute value of -5 is 5
Absolute value of 13 is 13
Absolute value of 0 is 0

Explanation

1. Three integer variables num1, num2, and num3 are declared with values -5, 13, and 0 respectively.

2. We then calculate the absolute values for each of these numbers using the abs() function.

3. The results are printed out, demonstrating how abs() behaves with negative, positive, and zero values.