How To Fix ABAP_DECFLOAT005 - For numbers with exponents, the minus sign cannot be at the end

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ABAP_DECFLOAT - Messages of CL_ABAP_DECFLOAT

• Message number: 005

• Message text: For numbers with exponents, the minus sign cannot be at the end

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ABAP_DECFLOAT005 - For numbers with exponents, the minus sign cannot be at the end ?

  The SAP error message ABAP_DECFLOAT005 indicates that there is an issue with the formatting of a number in the DECIMAL FLOAT format, specifically when dealing with numbers that include exponents. The error message states: "For numbers with exponents, the minus sign cannot be at the end." This typically occurs when the syntax of a floating-point number is incorrect.
  Cause:
  The error arises when a number is formatted incorrectly, particularly in the context of scientific notation. In scientific notation, a number is expressed in the form of m * 10^n, where m is the mantissa and n is the exponent. The minus sign must be placed correctly to indicate whether the number is negative. If the minus sign appears at the end of the number instead of before the mantissa or exponent, the system will throw this error.
  Example of Incorrect Format:
  
  1.23E- (Incorrect: minus sign at the end)
  -1.23E4 (Correct: minus sign before the mantissa)
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that the number is formatted correctly. Here are the steps to fix the issue:
  
  
  Check the Number Format: Ensure that the number is in the correct format. The correct format for a negative number in scientific notation should have the minus sign before the mantissa or the exponent, not at the end.
  
  
  Correct the Syntax: If you are constructing the number programmatically, make sure that the logic correctly places the minus sign. For example:
  
  Instead of constructing a string like number + "E" + exponent + "-", you should construct it as "-" + number + "E" + exponent if the number is negative.
  
  
  
  Validation: Implement validation checks in your code to catch such formatting issues before they lead to runtime errors.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Types: The DECIMAL FLOAT data type in ABAP is used for high-precision floating-point arithmetic. It is important to adhere to the correct syntax to avoid errors.
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for more details on the DECIMAL FLOAT data type and its usage.
  Debugging: If you encounter this error during execution, use debugging tools to inspect the values being processed and identify where the incorrect formatting is occurring.
  
  By ensuring that the number is formatted correctly, you can avoid the ABAP_DECFLOAT005 error and ensure smooth execution of your ABAP programs.