Abs

Abs is a mathematical function that returns the absolute value of a numeric value, row, column, or cell. The absolute value of a number is that number without a negative sign. A negative number becomes positive, while a positive number remains positive.

Syntax:

Abs(argument)

where argument is one of the following values:

Argument	Description
numeric	A numeric value. For example, Abs(-20) returns the value 20. Numeric values can include decimals and negative values. See Numeric Arguments.
row, column, or cell reference	A pointer to a row, column, or cell within a grid. References can be specified in several ways. The reference syntax is: GridName.GridElement[segment(range)].Property. See Row, Column, or Cell Reference Arguments.
function	An embedded function. See Mathematical Functions.

Argument

Description

numeric

A numeric value. For example, Abs(-20) returns the value 20.

Numeric values can include decimals and negative values. See Numeric Arguments.

row, column, or cell reference

A pointer to a row, column, or cell within a grid.

References can be specified in several ways. The reference syntax is: GridName.GridElement[segment(range)].Property. See Row, Column, or Cell Reference Arguments.

function

An embedded function.

See Mathematical Functions.

Examples:

Return the value 30:

Abs(-30)

Return the absolute value of the value in row 1:

Abs(row[1])

Calculate the absolute value of the sum of column E:

Abs(column[E].sum)

Point to expanded rows 1 through 3 within design segment 3 of Grid1:

Abs(Grid1.row[3(1:3)])