please help with use of do loops and possibly macros!

[Red_Squirrel]

Certainly:

Data want;

Set have;

If ((value1 < value2 < value3) or (value1 < required_result and value2 < required_result and value3 < required_result)) and (_n_ > 2) and (_n_ > max_recordnum) then do;

max_recordnum = _n_ + 3;

Saved_average = average1;

End;

Retain max_recordnum saved_average;

If saved_average = . Then required_result = average1;

Else required_result = saved_average;

Run;

IS the problem here because required_result is used in the first if condition before even it has been creared?

[Astounding · Accepted solution]

OK, it's looking a little clearer.  The OR condition should look at SAVED_AVERAGE, rather than REQUIRED_RESULT.  SAVED_AVERAGE is retained, but REQUIRED_RESULT begins each observation as missing:

If ((value1 < value2 < value3) or (value1 < saved_average and value2 < saved_average and value3 < saved_average)) and (_n_ > 2) and (_n_ > max_recordnum) then do;

[Red_Squirrel]

Thank you very much, Astounding!

all works now as it is supposed to!