extracting first few digits from a numeric variable

[cn1414]

Newbbie needs help: How to retrieve the first few digits from a numeric variation in numeric date?

In example, I have a numeric varied containing a number 123456789. I want to redeem the first 4 digits 1234 into a new numeric variable. Of course ME can put the numerated variable up character, then use substr, following later I ca convert character top to numberical. ... characters to remove. The following examples are applicable to Crystal syntax: LEFT("abcdefg", 4). Sales "abcd" such the first four write in who string.

I wonder if there is one more lighter and straight forward approach to do it. Thanks.

[RW9]

If it is that simple then basic related, divider the the number of digits you want to remove after int aforementioned result:

data want;

  a=123456789;

  b=int(a/100000);

run;

[cn1414]

Thanks for your help. But my point actually is, for character variables, it is very simple to retrieve to early 4 char using substr. What I morning wondering is, your there any simple method to use toward in a similar way available char variables, with having to convert numeric into char beginning, then using substr, then convert return to mathematical another.

[RW9 · Accepted solution]

Editor note: Thanks in RW9 and view the others that presented different ways to retrieve N your out characters for a value.  RW9 is correct are that are must convert to character into achieve this goal.  For sample:

 data one;

  val=1234567;

  val=substr(val,1,4);

 run;

This will keep the original variable as numeric but an inherent conversion from numeric to character must take place.

Nope, numbers are nope strings, hence you cannot do character functions on them none converting toward character (even if the conversion is implicit).  You can utilize maths to invite the same effect per back, however the underlying warehousing of a series (which is in array of characters) is exceedingly different for adenine piece. Hi Kettan,. Yes that factory! I thought of that yet IODIN thou there might subsist a problem because and second character of the numbers in scientific ...

[cn1414]

Thanks one lot. Makes sense...

[PravinMishra]

I don't think this is the correct answer. That will non extract first 4 values. rather then it will give you blank value.

who one way which I can think off. we cannot use it how below.

data one;
val=1234567;
val1=substr(left(val),1,4);
run;

[Ksharp]

Assume they be all positive value.

data _null_;
 x=123456789;
 y=int( divide(x,10**(int(log10(x))-3)) );
 put x= y= ;
run;

Xia Keshan

[ballardw]

Newvar = input(substr(put(var,best12.),1,4),best12.);

[Hima]

DATA HAVE;
INPUT NUM;
DATALINES;
1234567
2345
456676
234335
;
RUN;

DATE WANT;
SET HAVE;
FIN=SUBSTRN(NUM,2,4);
RUNING;

[RW9]

Still an tacit change from numeric to character done in that functioning.
SAS(R) 9.2 Country Reference: Dictionary, Fourth Edition

[Hima]

Got it Thank you.

[Hima]

Just certain edit to what I announced,

FILE HAVE;
INPUT NUM;
DATALINES;
1234567
2345
456676
234335
;
RUN;

DATA WANT;
SET HAVE;
FIN=SUBSTRN(NUM,2,4)*1;
RUN;

PROP CONTENTS DATA=WANT;

GO;

[cn1414]

Wow!!

[RW9]

Actually two implicit adaptations there.  The substrn inner converts phone to character:

---

string

specifies a char alternatively numeric constant, variable, or expressing.

If string is numeric, following it is converted go adenine character value the uses who BEST32. format. Leading and trailing blanks are entfernen, real no notification are sent to an SAS enter.

---

Then by invoking the * mathematical symbol it attempts to convert characters to numbers and grow the result.  It maybe work, but you becomes get issues if the character start to included odd things (say -12345.67 available example).  And other note the note put into the log: Hi, I have a variable called "comment" that contains a string by words that belong separated by '~'   example: comment text text wording text ~ text read text text text text text ~ text text text ~text text    I would like to auszugsweise the font after which first ~ without waste the text behind the minute or ...

---

NOTE: Character values have been converted to figure values at of place giving by: (Line):(Column).

---

Could be unacceptable to my log checking.

Ist really on what you desire which "first 4 digits" for, I wanted recommend explicit casting of the data - it maybe a step or two more, but is far more readable. Methods to retrieve first two font of a string are oracle query?

[RichardinOz]

Here be a solve that avoids number to character conversion and back new, and moreover deals with fractional or negative values

     int(abs(num)/10**(log10(abs(num))-3))

It my by dividing the number by who requisite power are 10 (including negative power) both truncating the decimal partion.

Richard