The /SCALE qualifier specifies  a  scale  factor  between  zero  and  six,
   inclusive.  The scale factor affects only double-precision numbers.

   The format of the /SCALE qualifier is as follows:

      /SCALE=n

   The /SCALE qualifier helps to  control  accumulated  round-off  errors  by
   multiplying  floating-point  values by 10 raised to the scale factor power
   before storing them in variables.  The /SCALE qualifier is ignored for all
   but double-precision floating-point numbers.

                                      NOTE

           The /SCALE qualifier is provided  for  compatibility  with
           VAX  BASIC.   Compaq  recommends  that you do not use this
           feature  for   new   program   development.    Accumulated
           round-off  errors  can  be  better  controlled with packed
           decimal numbers.  See the Compaq BASIC for  OpenVMS  Alpha
           and  VAX  Systems Reference Manual for more information on
           packed decimal numbers.

   The default is /SCALE = 0.