How do you make an absolute value symbol on a keyboard?

Answer 1

I -9 I

Capital i's

Some fonts allow the "pipe" symbol to be used, as in:

| -9 | = 9

(other fonts will have a break in the middle of the pipe symbol) which on the UK layout is on shift \ (next to left shift) or ALT-GR ` or shift-ALT-GR ¬ (top left of keyboard)

Answer 2

The vertical line is right there, on most keyboards; the location may vary, though. You'll probably need to press Shift with the corresponding key. I use the "US-International" keyboard layout; it is two positions to the right of the semicolon, but I also need to press Shift to get that symbol. In the normal US keyboard it may be in the same position; I am not sure, but just look for a vertical bar.