In a SAS DATA step, which statement is used to incrementally calculate totals?

In a SAS DATA step, the statement that accurately reflects an incremental calculation of totals is defined through the syntax representing cumulative addition of values. The choice that most clearly expresses this is to add variables together with a pre-existing total, which is reflected in the syntax of total=total+var1+var2.

This method ensures that each time the DATA step iterates, the current values of var1 and var2 are added to the existing total. This approach is effective because it not only updates the total based on the current iteration but also accounts for multiple variables, thus providing a cumulative sum in each pass through the data.

Using this form, you can dynamically aggregate totals as the DATA step processes each record, aligning perfectly with the concept of incremental calculation. By continuously updating the total with both var1 and var2, you receive a comprehensive running total that reflects the contributions of both variables during the entire execution of the DATA step.

In contrast, other options may not accurately represent the incremental updating process or may use SAS functions that do not achieve the same result as a simple arithmetic cumulative total calculation.