What does the ABS function return in SAS?

The ABS function in SAS is designed to return the absolute value of a given number. The absolute value is the non-negative value of a number without regard to its sign, meaning it transforms any negative input into a positive output while leaving positive inputs as is.

For example, if you use the ABS function on -5, the result will be 5, and if you apply it to 3, the result remains 3. This function is particularly useful in various mathematical calculations where the sign of the number is not significant, such as in distance calculations or normalization processes.

Understanding the purpose of the ABS function helps in managing data where the magnitude of values needs to be considered without their sign, reinforcing its utility in a wide range of analytical scenarios in SAS.