Evaluate the expression \( | -7 | + | 3 |\).

To evaluate the expression ( | -7 | + | 3 | ), you need to calculate each absolute value separately.

The absolute value of a number is defined as its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. Therefore:

1. The absolute value of (-7), denoted as ( | -7 |), is (7). This is because (-7) is 7 units away from zero.

2. The absolute value of (3), denoted as ( | 3 |), is (3). Since (3) is already a positive number, its distance from zero is simply (3).

Now, you add these two results together:

[

| -7 | + | 3 | = 7 + 3 = 10.

]

This shows that the expression evaluates to (10), making that the correct answer. When evaluating absolute values, it is critical to remember their definition and how they eliminate the negative sign by reflecting the value across zero.