Given the OP question, I think it should be something more like:

data _null_; c = "-1627.2-"; d = ifc(substr(c,1,1)='-',cats('-',compress(c,'.','kd')),compress(c,'.','kd')); put _all_; run;

Not at SAS and can't test it but it should work. This should keep only decimals, numerals, and prepend the negative sign when appropriate.

-Joe

On Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 7:53 PM, Nordlund, Dan (DSHS/RDA) < NordlDJ@dshs.wa.gov> wrote:

> > -----Original Message----- > > From: SAS(r) Discussion [mailto:SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf Of > > Nat Wooding > > Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010 4:51 PM > > To: SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU > > Subject: Re: removing delimiters > > > > PRX makes my head hurt. Here is a traditional data step approach. > > > > Nat Wooding :) > > > > data _null_; > > c = "-1627.2-"; > > d = reverse( substr( reverse( c ) , 2 )); > > put _all_; > > run; > > > Or maybe (?) a little simpler, depending on what the rest of the data > actually looks like. > > data _null_; > c = "-1627.2-"; > d = substr( c , 1, length(c)-1 ); > put _all_; > run; > > But as someone else suggested, it might be better to fix the problem > earlier, i.e. when the values are first generated (if possible). > > Hope this is helpful, > > Dan > > Daniel J. Nordlund > Washington State Department of Social and Health Services > Planning, Performance, and Accountability > Research and Data Analysis Division > Olympia, WA 98504-5204 >