1. The problem asks to evaluate the absolute value of the expression $3^2 - 5^2$. 2. Recall that the absolute value of a number $x$, denoted $|x|$, is the distance of $x$ from zero on the number line, and it is always non-negative. 3. Calculate each square: $$3^2 = 9$$ $$5^2 = 25$$ 4. Substitute these values back into the expression: $$3^2 - 5^2 = 9 - 25$$ 5. Perform the subtraction: $$9 - 25 = -16$$ 6. Take the absolute value: $$| -16 | = 16$$ 7. Therefore, the value of $|3^2 - 5^2|$ is $16$.