title: how to convert a variable with both character and numeric variable into a numeric variable in sas
body: <p>i looked at the previous links related to the topic and tried using the commands but it is showing error.
  i have a variable var1 = <strong>census tract 244.1</strong> which is in character format of length 25. i need a final variable which will contain only the number 244.1 and the format should be numeric</p>
  
  <p>i used the following commands:
  newvar = input (var1, 8.)
  but it showed error mentioning it as an invalid argument to function INPUT.</p>
  
  <p>i also used:
  newvar = input (var1, best32.) but again the same error message as above.</p>
  
  <p>i tried to remove the word 'census tract' word using:
  TRACT =tranwrd(var1, "Census Tract", '');
  the message said that var1 is defined both as character and numeric variable</p>
  
  <p>i have run out of option. so need help. i'm using sas 9.3</p>