Richard:
Use the following sequence.
1. Program - Insert - High Level - Decl
insert your "alpha" name and select REAL from the drop down.

2. Program - Insert - High Level - Prompt
insert the question and put about 5 extra spaces. Type "alpha" in the variable name box. Then in the bottom put the maximum number of digits the operator can type and the minimum. You have to activate them with the check boxes right beside the text boxes.

Step over your code to test it. It should work though. The format in the program window is something like this:
DECL/REAL,alpha
PROMPT/apha,'What is the coordinate? ',9,4

This may not be exact formatting, but it is close. I'm sorry. I am at home and haven't used DMIS since January due to a change of employment. If you don't use Insert some of the boxes are not active. It is a little safety type thing that way it doesn't occur while your creating and potentially make a mistake. Good luck!

Best regards,

Terry W. Prather