Assuming that each pack will have the same amount of pencils. It is given that there are 36 pencils in all when one has 6 packs. Find the amount in each pack by dividing (total amount of pencils)/(amount of packs) = Amount of pencils per pack:
36/6 = 6
There are 6 pencils in each pack.
Now, Elsa wants to know how much pencils are in 3 packs. Multiply the amount of packs with the amount of pencils in each pack:
Total amount of pencils = amount of packs (3) x amount of pencils per pack (6)
If you pick only positive numbers, the absolute value will have no effect, and the original set and the set of the absolute value will be exactly the same: