Query about Question 1 from "PrepSwift: Simplifying Algebraic Expressions 2" still confused

https://prepswift.gregmat.com/quizzes/quiz/prepswift-simplifying-algebraic-expressions-2 (Question 1)


If y ^2 + 2 is mathematically established to ALWAYS return a positive value for the given question. What bugs me is, why is there still a need to represent the possible value of the equation as an absolute value. i.e |y ^2 + 2| ?

It’s a good concept test, is it not?