abs (x-y) how this function works in c++?

Answer 1

The abs function is defined in c++ under cstdlib with the following definition:

{ x, x>0;
abs(x) = | 0, x==0;
{ -x, x<0;

Thus, it is nothing but the modulus function in mathematics, ( f(x) = |x| ) and for negative values, abs is able to return a positive value :

Eg -

abs(10); //10
abs(-20); //20

Here is how you can define one yourself...

template<typename T>
T abs( T x)
{
if(x>=0) return x;
else return -x;
}

int x,y;
cin>>x>>y;
cout<<abs(x-y)<<abs(y-x)<<endl;
//Will print the same values...

Also, a similar function fabs for the same purpose exists in cmath header...

Answer 2

given the following parameters:

x = 10
y = 5

5 -5
abs(x-y) == abs(y-x) == 5

Answer 3

Great answer @Kinshuk.

Answer 4

abs is absolute. So it takes the positive (absolute) value of whatever is in parenthesis.

Answer 5

@Michael
Thank you! Just want to know if it helped @kalai or not...

Answer 6

@kalai
Welcome ^_^

Answer 7

yeah i got it thanks @kinshuk