Evaluate the absolute value of \( -8 \).

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. So, for \( -8 \), the absolute value is simply \( 8 \) because you ignore the negative sign. It's like taking a trip to zero from -8; you'd have to travel 8 units to get there! Also, consider that absolute values are used in various fields like engineering and physics to measure quantities where only the magnitude matters, such as distances or forces. So whether you're talking about temperatures below zero or debts, the absolute value helps you get to the core of the matter without worrying about the sign!