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 regard to sign. A negative number becomes positive, while a positive number doesn't change. The function syntax:

Abs (argument)

where argument is one of the following:

Table B-6 Arguments for the Abs Function

Argument	Description
numeric	A numeric value. For example, Abs (- 20) returns the value 20. Numeric values can include decimals and negative values.
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: GridName.GridElement[segment(range)].Property.
function	An embedded function

Examples:

• The following expression includes a numeric argument and returns the value 30:

  Abs ( -30 )

• The following example returns the absolute value of the value in row 1:

  Abs(row[1])

• The following example calculates the absolute value of the sum of column E:

  Abs( column[E].sum )

• The following example points to expanded rows 1 through 3 within design segment 3 of the form Grid1:

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