Value Passage

This worksheet changes the focus from operations to absolute value. Students start at START, evaluate the absolute value expression in each cell, and move only through cells whose value is less than 8. Expressions include values such as |-5|, |7|, |-3|, |-12|, |9|, and |-10|. That means students first have to understand what absolute value means, then compare the result with the benchmark of 8 before deciding whether the cell can be used.

For a parent, absolute value is easiest to explain as distance from zero. The sign tells which side of zero the number sits on, but absolute value only asks how far away it is. So |-5| = 5, because -5 is five spaces from zero. Likewise, |7| = 7. On this maze, both of those values are less than 8, so both would qualify. But |-12| = 12, which is not less than 8, so that cell cannot be part of the correct route.

Learning Goals

• Evaluate Absolute Value Expressions: Students find the distance of each integer from zero.
• Compare Results with a Benchmark: Learners decide whether each absolute value is less than 8.
• Separate Sign from Magnitude: Students understand that a negative integer can still have a positive absolute value.
• Use Comparison Skills: Learners connect absolute value with less-than reasoning.
• Navigate Based on Mathematical Conditions: Only qualifying cells form the correct path.

Parent-Friendly Teaching Tips

A useful way to explain absolute value is:

“How far is this number from zero?”

Examples:

• |-5| = 5
• |7| = 7
• |-3| = 3
• |-12| = 12

Then ask:

“Is that answer less than 8?”

If yes, the cell may be used.

Why This Worksheet Helps

• Makes Absolute Value More Meaningful: Students use it as part of a decision instead of just evaluating expressions.
• Combines Two Skills: Learners practice both absolute value and comparison.
• Encourages Mental Math: Most expressions can be evaluated very quickly.
• Builds Number Sense: Students become more comfortable thinking about magnitude rather than sign.
• Provides Immediate Feedback: A path that does not reach FINISH gives students a reason to recheck values.

Classroom & Home Use

• Great for Absolute Value Review: The maze provides a more engaging alternative to a standard worksheet.
• Helpful for Parents: The “distance from zero” explanation is simple and accurate.
• Good for Visual Learners: A number line can be drawn if the child struggles with the concept.
• Useful for Intervention: Students who think |-5| = -5 get repeated opportunities to correct that misconception.
• Strong for Independent Work: The benchmark of 8 gives students a clear yes-or-no test for each cell.

The real value of this worksheet is that students have to understand what absolute value represents, not just memorize that “the answer becomes positive.” Absolute value, distance from zero, magnitude, comparison, and maze reasoning all work together. For parents, the best phrase to repeat is: “Absolute value is distance, and distance is never negative.” In classroom and homeschool settings, this worksheet gives students a useful and engaging way to strengthen absolute-value understanding while also practicing comparison skills.