Max function and array

[deleted_user]

Hi,

Is it possible to find the maximum entry in an array using max function?? The problem is that at each record, there is a different starting point in the array. e,g,

Array Bal(36) balance1-balance36;

if num > 18 then
maxbal = max(of Bal(num) - Bal(num-18), 0);
else
maxbal = max(of Bal(num) - Bal(1) , 0 );

[RichardH_sas]

I'm sure there are multiple good solutions here. Since the MAX function isn't too fancy, I actually found it easier to write some code that avoids using the function.

%let levels=18;
/* Setting this up as a macro variable
makes it easy to change */

data test;
set whatever;
array Bal

balance1-balance36;
MaxBal=0;

/* Create lower limit for DO loop */
if num >= &levels then
bottom = num - &levels + 1;
else bottom = 1;

/* Cycle from bottom to the value of num */
do i = bottom to num;
if Bal{i} > MaxBal then
MaxBal = Bal{i};
end;

drop i;
run;

In the future, you might have a little more luck posting to the DATA step board for responses on topics like this. No worries though!

http://support.sas.com/forums/forum.jspa?forumID=31