<number of tapes>

──<arithmetic expression>──────────────────────────────────────────────┤

The value of <number of tapes> specifies the number of tape files that can be used, if necessary, in the sorting process. If the value of the arithmetic expression is zero, no tapes are used. If the value of the arithmetic expression is between 1 and 3, inclusive, three tapes are used. If the value of the arithmetic expression is between 3 and 8, the specified number of tapes are used. If the value of the arithmetic expression is 8 or more, a maximum of eight tapes are used.