Why is the number converted to a string (basic Javascript function)
<p>I have this function (going trough the Eloquent Javascript Tutorial chapter 3):</p>

<pre><code>function absolute(number) {

  if (number &lt; 0)
  return -number;
  else
  return number;
}
</code></pre>

<p>show(absolute(prompt("Pick a number", "")));</p>

<p>If I run it and enter -3 the output will be 3 as expectet but if I enter just 3 the output will be "3" (with double quotes). I can get around by changing</p>

<pre><code>return number;
</code></pre>

<p>to
    return Number(number);</p>

<p>but why is that necessary? What am I missing? </p>
