replace a hypen in a string

[tester321]

I've tried to use this to no avail, any suggestions:
a1=-31;
a1 = a1.replace(/-/,"");

// to get just 31

 

[tsuji]

You have to know more rigorously data type. replace function is operating on string data type. Your a1 is somewhat an integer. In this case, why not multiply by (-1) to make it positive?! If you are at a school, you've to ask your tutor.
[tt]
//a1=a1*(-1);
//or if you want a contrived twist
a1=parseInt(a1.toString().replace(/-/,""),10);
[/tt]

 

[xwb]

Why not

a1 = Math.abs(a1);

if you just want the absolute value.

 

[tsuji]

Why not indeed, one way or another.