absolute value (complex number) Also called the modulus of a complex number. The modulus of a complex number z = x + yi, denoted as |z|, is defined as (x2+y2)1/2. It is the distance between the origin and the point representing the complex number. For example, the absolute value of 3 + 4i is (32 + 42)1/2 = 5.

Related Terms: complex number, distance (between two points), origin