The equation $x = | -8 |$ involves the absolute value of $-8$.

The absolute value of a number is its distance from 0 on the number line, regardless of direction, so:

$x = | -8 | = 8$

Thus, $x = 8$.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen understanding:

1. What is the absolute value of $| -12 |$?
2. Solve $x = | 5 - 9 |$.
3. If $| x | = 15$, what are the possible values of $x$?
4. How do you graph the equation $y = |x|$?
5. What is the difference between absolute value and regular numbers?

Tip: Absolute value always results in a non-negative number, no matter if the input is positive or negative.