FUNCTIONPublished

Abs

Abs( <nExp> )

Returns the absolute value of a number.

NumericMathCalculationTDN

01 · OVERVIEW

Overview

Returns the absolute value of a number. This page was created from the historical training material and structured for quick reference, with practical notes and cautious use in current Protheus environments.

02 · SYNTAX

Syntax

Abs( <nExp> )

Parameters

nExp

NumericRequired

Numeric expression evaluated to obtain its absolute value.

Return value

Returns nRet, numeric, representing the absolute value of the supplied expression. The result is positive or zero.

03 · PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

Absolute difference

User Function ExAbs()
    Local nSeats := 12
    Local nPeople := 15
    Local nDifference := Abs(nSeats - nPeople)

    MsgInfo("Difference: " + CValToChar(nDifference))
Return

Expected result

Even when nSeats - nPeople returns a negative number, Abs() returns the positive difference.

04 · PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

Absolute value of a negative number

User Function Abs2()
    Local nValue := -123.45

    MsgInfo( Abs( nValue ) ) // Result: 123.45
Return

Expected result

The function removes the negative sign and displays 123.45.

BEST PRACTICES

Use quando o sinal não importar para a regra.
É uma forma simples de obter a diferença positiva entre dois números sem saber previamente qual deles é maior.
Pela definição matemática, se x for maior ou igual a zero o retorno é x; se x for menor que zero o retorno é -x.
A referência TDN informa abrangência histórica em Advanced Protheus 6.09, Advanced Protheus 7.10, Microsiga Protheus 8.11 e Protheus 10.

COMMON PITFALLS

Do not use Abs() to hide an improper accounting difference; handle the source of the sign when it has meaning.
Validate null or nonnumeric values before calculating.
In financial rules, confirm that converting negative values to positive does not change the meaning of credit, debit, inflow or outflow.

Abs