Math question, please help (absolute value simplifying)

Heres what I am having to do: Simplify each expression (I am also using Absolute value so thats why you might see this symbol I a I
first question : I a - a I + a
second question: I 12 I x ( - I -4 I )
thanks for the help:) I really appreciate it thanks!

1) |a - a| + a = 0 + a = a
2) | 12 | x (- | -4 |) = 12 x (-4) = -48x