How to Create an Absolute Variable?

[aczech2001]

Dear SAS users,

I am a total dummy when it comes to using SAS. Thus, I apologise for totally non-challenging questions.

I would like to create an absolute value for the difference of measurements for required value (speed).

Please, could you advice how to do it using:

- 'Tasks and Utilities' tabs

- The code

Thank you so much for your kind help!

Agnieszka

[PaigeMiller]

Can you show us some sample data, and the expected results?

[RW9]

In terms of code you would use the abs() function:

http://support.sas.com/documentation/cdl/en/lrdict/64316/HTML/default/viewer.htm#a000245861.htm

I have no idea what "Tasks and Utilities" is, what software?

[aczech2001]

Hi. Thank you for answering my question.

'Tasks and Utilities' is the drop down list for different SAS functions on the left hand side of the screen. Thanks

[Reeza]

Tasks and Utilities is the name for the GUI tools in SAS Studio.

---

@RW9 wrote:

I have no idea what "Tasks and Utilities" is, what software?

---

[Reeza]

This would depend on your data structure a lot.

If the variables are in the same line it's one way, and if they're in different lines you need a different approach. 

Have you checked out the tutorial video's here or taken the free e-course? It would help you answer a lot of these questions.

https://video.sas.com/detail/videos/sas-analytics-u/video/4573023399001/creating-a-new-column-in-sas...

---

@aczech2001 wrote:

Dear SAS users,

I am a total dummy when it comes to using SAS. Thus, I apologise for totally non-challenging questions.

I would like to create an absolute value for the difference of measurements for required value (speed).

Please, could you advice how to do it using:

- 'Tasks and Utilities' tabs

- The code

Thank you so much for your kind help!

Agnieszka

---

[aczech2001]

Hi to all,

Thank you for trying to help out with this task.

Please, see the data attached.

I was looking to find an absolute value from the difference for levels of Pain 1 and 2,  calculated by subtracting Pain1 values from Pain 2 values for each individual.

Thank you

[Reeza]

ABS() is the function to return the absolute value of a number. Combined with the video above, you should have enough information to make an attempt to solve your problem. If you still are not getting your desired results please post your code or a snapshot of your task.