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nmax, nmin - Numerical Extremum Functions
Other versions: 7.31 | 7.40 | 7.54
Syntax Forms
... nmax|nmin( val1 = arg1 val2 = arg2 [val3 = arg3] ... [val9 = arg9] ) ...
Effect
These functions return the value of the biggest or the smallest of the arguments passed. At least two
arguments, arg1 and arg2, and a maximum of nine
arguments must be passed, whereby the optional input parameters val3 to
val9 must be filled in ascending order without gaps. The arguments arg1 to arg9 are
numerical expression positions.
The following applies for the data type of the return value:
- Outside of an arithmetic expression, a calculation type is determined from all the arguments, and it is used to perform the comparison. The calculation type is determined just like an arithmetic expression and also determines the data type of the return value.
- In an arithmetic expression, the arguments of the function contribute to the calculation type of the entire expression and the function is calculated using the calculation type. If an argument itself is an arithmetic expression, its operands contribute to the entire calculation type and the argument is also calculated using this type.
Notes
-
The extremum functions
cmaxandcmincan be used to determine character-type extreme values. -
When using two input parameters:
result = nmax|nmin( val1 = arg1 val2 = arg2 )
the evaluation of the functions is equivalent to:
IF num1 >= num2 | num1 <= num2.
result = num1.
ELSE.
result = num2.
ENDIF.
When using more than two input parameters, an equivalent control structure would be more complex.
Example
For a demonstration of the extremum functions nmax and
nmin, refer to the extremum functions nmax, nmin.