Sign condition

Function

The sign condition determines whether or not the algebraic value of a numeric operand (that is, an item described as numeric) is less than, greater than, or equal to zero.

Format

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{identifier | arithmetic-expression} IS [NOT] {POSITIVE | NEGATIVE | ZERO}

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Syntax rule

1. identifier must refer to a numeric data item.

General rules

1. identifier or arithmetic-expression identifies the operand to be tested.

2. POSITIVE, NEGATIVE or ZERO specifies the test to be made.

3. An operand is positive if its value is greater than zero, negative if its value is less than zero, and zero if its value is equal to zero.